Logistics platforms for improved strategic flexibility

Abstract

In a dynamic business environment the most successful companies, in terms of profitability and growth, seem to be found among companies with the highest dynamic capabilities. From this follow increasing interaction between marketing and logistics and a development towards logistics considered as a platform and a resource base to support and be an enabler for new strategic moves on the market. The purpose of this article is to describe, define and exemplify the concept of the logistics platform with such a built-in strategic flexibility. From theories and best practice cases we defined a logistics platform as a homogenous part of the logistics system, which a logistics organisation centrally manages and controls, and has the power to design in a way that it is a resource base for new market positions. This includes concepts for logistics operations, a physical structure, processes and its activities as well as the information systems needed for design, operations and reporting.