Gaining strategic insights into Logistics 4.0: expectations and impacts*

Abstract

The developments brought by Industry 4.0 have spread to various components in a supply chain, where logistics is of utmost importance due to the intermediate role of logistics service providers (LSPs) operating among different actors. Despite such a vital role, the extant literature lacks from the extensive analysis of Industry 4.0 implementations in the logistics industry, particularly for LSPs. Accordingly, this study sets out to investigate, comprehensively, Industry 4.0 projections in logistics and their reflections on LSPs by adopting a multidimensional approach. In this respect, the key themes influenced by Industry 4.0 developments are initially determined through a structured survey conducted in the Turkish logistics industry. Then, in the same industry, both the probabilities and the impacts of Industry 4.0-focused thematic statements are examined through an integrative interview survey, which also incorporates ‘why-type’ of questions. Consequently, this study offers academic implications in terms of demonstrating possible changes in the logistics industry from the operational, financial, and human resources aspects. Additionally, the findings serve as a reference for logistics professionals while fostering their competitive Industry 4.0 initiatives and facilitating their strategic decisions.

Keywords:

• Competitive advantage
• future projections
• Industry 4.0
• Logistics 4.0
• logistics service providers

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Berk Kucukaltan

Dr. Berk Kucukaltan completed his Ph.D. in business management at Brunel University London, with the Dean’s Prize for Innovation and Impact in Doctoral Research in the Brunel Business School. He currently has an Assistant Professor position at Trakya University, Turkey and also holds a visiting fellow position at the School of Management, University of Bradford, UK. His research interests stretch across strategic management, performance management, strategic decision-making, logistics, innovation management, and entrepreneurship subjects. In addition to his editorial board memberships in several journals listed in the Web of Science, he has a large number of publications in ABS-listed journals and in widely-known conferences.

Omur Y. Saatcioglu

Professor Omur Y. Saatcioglu holds a computer engineering bachelor's degree from Ege University, an international business management master’s degree and a PhD degree in business management from Dokuz Eylül University. Her research interests are information systems, logistics information systems, Industry 4.0, enterprise resource planning, strategic management, innovation management, and design thinking. She is a Professor in the Logistics Management Program at the Maritime Faculty, Dokuz Eylül University. She has various national and international articles as well as conference papers. She has several international and national awards for her articles and papers.

Zahir Irani

Professor Zahir Irani is a Pro-Vice Chancellor and Dean of Management, Law and Social Sciences in the Triple Accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA) Faculty at the University of Bradford, (UK). Prior to this role, he was the Founding Dean of College (Business, Arts and Social Sciences) at Brunel University (UK) and has previously worked for the UK Government as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Cabinet Office. He has published extensively in 3* and 4* academic journal in the areas of Information Systems and Operations Management. He has also attracted research funds from the EU (FP7, H2020), EPSRC, ESRC, QNRF and various industry sources. He tweets at: @ZahirIrani1

Okan Tuna

Professor Okan Tuna achieved a BSc degree in engineering and has also completed an MBA and PhD in marketing. Dr. Tuna lectures for BSc, MSc and PhD programs, and his research concentrates on logistics and supply chain management. His studies are published in various journals and edited books. He has also worked on many logistics/transportation related consultancies and projects.He is the Head of Logistics Management Department in Maritime Faculty, Dokuz Eylul University. He is also one of the co-founders of an academic start-up, ShipsGo.