Logistics

19 pages, 810 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Residual Biomass Supply Chain Simulation Model Using AnyLogistix: A Methodical Approach

by Bernardine Chidozie, Ana Ramos, José Vasconcelos and Luis Pinto Ferreira

Logistics 2024, 8(4), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics8040107 (registering DOI) - 18 Oct 2024

Viewed by 130

Background: In the pursuit of sustainable energy sources, residual biomass has emerged as a promising renewable resource. However, efficiently managing residual biomass poses significant challenges, particularly in optimizing supply chain operations. Advanced modeling approaches are necessary to address these complexities. This study aims [...] Read more.

Background: In the pursuit of sustainable energy sources, residual biomass has emerged as a promising renewable resource. However, efficiently managing residual biomass poses significant challenges, particularly in optimizing supply chain operations. Advanced modeling approaches are necessary to address these complexities. This study aims to develop a comprehensive methodological framework for creating simulation models tailored to agroforestry residual biomass supply chains. Methods: The study employs a hybrid simulation approach, integrating geographic information system mapping with a case study analysis. The simulation was conducted over a 365-day period, using the anyLogistix software to model various supply chain dynamics. The framework also accounts for financial, operational, customer satisfaction, and environmental metrics. Results: The simulation results showed a total expenditure of EUR 5,219,411.3, with transportation being the primary cost driver, involving 5678 trips and a peak capacity of 67.16 m³. CO₂ emissions were measured at 487.7 kg/m³. The model performed as expected, highlighting the need for sustainable logistics strategies to reduce costs, lower losses, and improve productivity. Conclusions: This study presents one of the first detailed methodological frameworks for simulating agroforestry residual biomass supply chains. It provides valuable managerial insights into the financial, operational, and environmental aspects of supply chain management. The findings may stakeholders make informed decisions to enhance the sustainability of biomass utilization in energy production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Supply Chains and Logistics)

25 pages, 3021 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Smart Glasses for Boosting Warehouse Efficiency: Implications for Change Management

by Markus Epe, Muhammad Azmat, Dewan Md Zahurul Islam and Rameez Khalid

Logistics 2024, 8(4), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics8040106 - 17 Oct 2024

Viewed by 319

Abstract

Background: Warehousing operations, crucial to logistics and supply chain management, often seek innovative technologies to boost efficiency and reduce costs. For instance, AR devices have shown the potential to significantly reduce operational costs by up to 20% in similar industries. Therefore, this paper [...] Read more.

Background: Warehousing operations, crucial to logistics and supply chain management, often seek innovative technologies to boost efficiency and reduce costs. For instance, AR devices have shown the potential to significantly reduce operational costs by up to 20% in similar industries. Therefore, this paper delves into the pivotal role of smart glasses in revolutionising warehouse effectiveness and efficiency, recognising their transformative potential. However, challenges such as employee resistance and health concerns highlight the need for a balanced trade-off between operational effectiveness and human acceptance. Methods: This study uses scenario and regression analyses to examine data from a German logistics service provider (LSP). Additionally, structured interviews with employees from various LSPs provide valuable insights into human acceptance. Results: The findings reveal that smart glasses convert dead time into value-added time, significantly enhancing the efficiency of order picking processes. Despite the economic benefits, including higher profits and competitive advantages, the lack of employee acceptance due to health concerns still needs to be addressed. Conclusions: After weighing the financial advantages against health impairments, the study recommends implementing smart glass technology in picking processes, given the current state of technical development. This study’s practical implications include guiding LSPs in technology adoption strategies, while theoretically, it adds to the body of knowledge on the human-technology interface in logistics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Criteria Decision-Making and Its Application in Sustainable Smart Logistics)

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20 pages, 2440 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Sourcing: Supplier Assessment and Selection Practices across Industries

by Emmanuel D. Adamides and Yannis Mouzakitis

Logistics 2024, 8(4), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics8040105 - 15 Oct 2024

Viewed by 456

Abstract

Background: Over the last years, the assessment and selection of suppliers, based on the environmental performance of their products/services and their operations, has reached paramount importance and attracted the interest of many researchers and practitioners. Based on the prevailing perspective of supplier [...] Read more.

Background: Over the last years, the assessment and selection of suppliers, based on the environmental performance of their products/services and their operations, has reached paramount importance and attracted the interest of many researchers and practitioners. Based on the prevailing perspective of supplier selection as a purely decision-making problem, this interest has been channeled towards the development of decision-support methods and tools. Other broader issues, such as whether there are converging or diverging green supplier evaluation and selection organizational processes across industries has not been addressed. Methods: Here, for the first time, we address this question by adopting a systems perspective and by considering green supplier evaluation and selection as an organizational sub-process of the broader sourcing process. We use activity theory to represent green supplier evaluation and selection as two interconnected activities, each comprising a set of organizational practices. Based on this representation, we developed a research instrument to carry out empirical research in a sample of 80 companies from five industries (pharmaceuticals, food processing, aquaculture, construction materials, waste management and recycling) in Greece. Results: The results of the survey suggest that green supplier evaluation and selection practices do not fully converge, but there are differences across industries. Conclusions: The cultural and historical context of industries influences the adoption of specific environmental supplier evaluation and selection practices. Full article

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26 pages, 868 KiB

Open AccessReview

Current Advancements in Drone Technology for Medical Sample Transportation

by Noel Stierlin, Martin Risch and Lorenz Risch

Logistics 2024, 8(4), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics8040104 - 12 Oct 2024

Viewed by 729

Abstract

Background: The integration of drone technology into healthcare logistics presents a significant opportunity to enhance the speed, reliability, and efficiency of medical sample transportation. Methods: This paper provides a narrative review of current advancements in drone technology, focusing on its application in the [...] Read more.

Background: The integration of drone technology into healthcare logistics presents a significant opportunity to enhance the speed, reliability, and efficiency of medical sample transportation. Methods: This paper provides a narrative review of current advancements in drone technology, focusing on its application in the rapid and secure delivery of medical samples, particularly in urban and remote regions where traditional transportation methods often face challenges. Drawing from recent studies and case reports, the review highlights the role of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI)-driven navigation systems, real-time monitoring, and secure payload management in mitigating logistical barriers like traffic congestion and geographical isolation. Results: Based on findings from various case studies, the review demonstrates how drones can significantly reduce transportation time and costs, while improving accessibility to healthcare services in underserved areas. Conclusions: This paper concludes that, while challenges such as regulatory hurdles and privacy concerns remain, ongoing technological advancements and the development of supportive regulatory frameworks have the potential to revolutionize medical logistics, ultimately improving patient outcomes and healthcare delivery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Humanitarian and Healthcare Logistics)

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23 pages, 2123 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Supplier Selection Criteria for HVAC Manufacturing Firms: A Multi-Dimensional Perspective Using the Delphi–Fuzzy AHP Method

by Amit Kumar Gupta and Imlak Shaikh

Logistics 2024, 8(4), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics8040103 - 11 Oct 2024

Viewed by 467

Abstract

Background: The supplier selection process (SSP) has grown as a crucial mechanism in organizations’ supply chain management (SCM) strategies and as a foundation for continuously gaining a competitive advantage. The concept of the circular economy has garnered significant interest due to its [...] Read more.

Background: The supplier selection process (SSP) has grown as a crucial mechanism in organizations’ supply chain management (SCM) strategies and as a foundation for continuously gaining a competitive advantage. The concept of the circular economy has garnered significant interest due to its ability to address both environmental and social criteria. It is highly important to carefully choose suppliers across all industries that take into account circular and sustainability issues, as well as traditional criteria. There is very limited research involving the supplier selection process in the Indian HVAC manufacturing sector. Design/Methodology/Approach: Thus, this study aimed to determine the critical factors for sustainable supplier selection for HVAC manufacturing firms using a mixed research method with three stages: a secondary study, the Delphi method, and the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP). Thirty-two critical sub-factors were identified and grouped into eight major factors: delivery, economic, environmental, social, management and organization, quality, services, and supplier relationship. Results/Conclusions: For HVAC manufacturing firms, the major factors of delivery, quality, and economics were found to be top-ranked among the factors, followed by environmental factors. Studies in developing countries using sustainable factors are still nascent, especially in India. Originality/Value: This study’s novelty lies with the proposed eight major factors, comprising all facets of organizations, including sustainability factors. Supplier selection in HVAC manufacturing firms is exhaustively dealt with in this study, filling a gap in the existing literature. This is important because HVAC products are high-energy-consuming, high-energy-releasing, and costly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Criteria Decision-Making and Its Application in Sustainable Smart Logistics)

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9 pages, 251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Logistics into Global Production: A New Approach

by Pablo Coto-Millán, David Paz Saavedra, Marta de la Fuente and Xose Luis Fernandez

Logistics 2024, 8(4), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics8040099 - 10 Oct 2024

Viewed by 538

Abstract

Background: Logistics has become a key driver of global economic production. This study investigates the role of logistics in global economic production by presenting a novel theoretical framework that integrates logistics performance into traditional models as a determinant production factor. Methods: Using panel [...] Read more.

Background: Logistics has become a key driver of global economic production. This study investigates the role of logistics in global economic production by presenting a novel theoretical framework that integrates logistics performance into traditional models as a determinant production factor. Methods: Using panel data from 85 countries between 2007 and 2022, the research measures logistics performance through the Logistics Performance Index (

L P I

). Results: The analysis reveals that logistics performance, specifically factors such as customs efficiency, infrastructure quality, and tracking and tracing of shipments, significantly enhances global economic output. On the other hand, negative elasticities were observed for shipment timeliness and the cost competitiveness of international shipments, suggesting that inefficiencies in these areas can hinder economic growth. Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for targeted public policies to improve logistics infrastructure and efficiency, particularly in customs and trade logistics, to increase global production. Additionally, the study highlights the potential for improving the logistics sector to support sustainable development and economic interdependence among countries. This research provides important insights for policymakers and managers, indicating that effective logistics management can drive substantial improvements in production efficiency and overall economic performance. Full article

25 pages, 2196 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advanced Supply Chain Management Using Adaptive Serial Cascaded Autoencoder with LSTM and Multi-Layered Perceptron Framework

by Aniruddha Deka, Parag Jyoti Das and Manob Jyoti Saikia

Logistics 2024, 8(4), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics8040102 - 10 Oct 2024

Viewed by 560

Abstract

Supply chain management is essential for businesses to handle uncertainties, maintain efficiency, and stay competitive. Financial risks can arise from various internal and external sources, impacting different supply chain stages. Companies that effectively manage these risks gain a deeper understanding of their procurement [...] Read more.

Supply chain management is essential for businesses to handle uncertainties, maintain efficiency, and stay competitive. Financial risks can arise from various internal and external sources, impacting different supply chain stages. Companies that effectively manage these risks gain a deeper understanding of their procurement activities and implement strategies to mitigate financial threats. This paper explores financial risk assessment in supply chain management using advanced deep learning techniques on big data. The Adaptive Serial Cascaded Autoencoder (ASCA), combined with Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Multi-Layered Perceptron (MLP), is used to evaluate financial risks. A data transformation process is used to clean and prepare financial data for analysis. Additionally, Sandpiper Galactic Swarm Optimization (SGSO) is employed to optimize the deep learning model’s performance. The SGSO-ASCALSMLP-based financial risk prediction model demonstrated superior accuracy compared to traditional methods. It outperformed GRU (gated recurrent unit)-ASCALSMLP by 3.03%, MLP-ASCALSMLP by 7.22%, AE-LSTM-ASCALSMLP by 10.7%, and AE-LSTM-MLP-ASCALSMLP by 10.9% based on F1-score performance. The SGSO-ASCALSMLP model is highly efficient in predicting financial risks, outperforming conventional prediction techniques and heuristic algorithms, making it a promising approach for enhancing financial risk management in supply chain networks. Full article

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15 pages, 644 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring More Sustainable Offshore Logistics Scenarios Using Shared Resources: A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective

by Idriss El-Thalji

Logistics 2024, 8(4), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics8040101 - 10 Oct 2024

Viewed by 472

Abstract

Offshore logistics has a substantial economic impact in the regions where offshore activities are prevalent, and has a huge opportunity to utilize the shared and collaborative logistics approach. The collaborative and shared logistics approach usually has economic, social, and environmental impacts on several [...] Read more.

Offshore logistics has a substantial economic impact in the regions where offshore activities are prevalent, and has a huge opportunity to utilize the shared and collaborative logistics approach. The collaborative and shared logistics approach usually has economic, social, and environmental impacts on several stakeholders within the entire business model. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore and compare the benefits and implications of both separate and shared logistics approaches, from multi-stakeholder perspectives. A case asset is purposefully selected where two offshore installations are located near each other, and have the potential to collaborate and share logistics resources. Three scenarios are studied using a simulation modelling approach: (1) separate logistics vessels, (2) on-demand shared logistics vessels, and (3) scheduled shared logistics vessels. The simulated results show that the shared logistics concept, in this specific case, led to an enhancement in the delivery frequency, number of deliveries, and CO₂ emissions. In addition, it provides options either to enhance vessel utilization or create revenue-generating time intervals. The scheduled shared logistics scenario is more sustainable and has a higher probability of being accepted by stakeholders, as it is driven by a revenue-generating mindset. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimizations and Operations Management of Modern Logistic Systems and Supply Chains)

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19 pages, 7212 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Multi-Stakeholder Information System for Traffic Restriction Management

by Maria Inês Malafaia, Joel Ribeiro and Tânia Fontes

Logistics 2024, 8(4), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics8040100 - 10 Oct 2024

Viewed by 402

Abstract

Background: In many urban areas, 80% to 90% of pollutant emissions are generated by road traffic, particularly from heavy vehicles. With the anticipated surge in e-commerce logistics, the need for effective urban mobility control measures has become urgent, focusing on traffic restrictions [...] Read more.

Background: In many urban areas, 80% to 90% of pollutant emissions are generated by road traffic, particularly from heavy vehicles. With the anticipated surge in e-commerce logistics, the need for effective urban mobility control measures has become urgent, focusing on traffic restrictions and efficient enforcement tools. This work introduces Log-ON, a multi-stakeholder information system designed to facilitate the implementation and management of sustainable traffic restrictions. Methods: The proposed system was developed through extensive literature reviews, expert consultations, and feedback from logistics fleet managers. User-centered mock-ups were created for various stakeholders, including the public, regulatory authorities, logistics operators, and enforcement agencies, ensuring that the system effectively addresses a diverse set of needs. Results: By taking into account a wide range of influencing factors, Log-ON functions as a decision-support tool designed to optimize access restrictions for vehicles, particularly heavy vehicles, in urban environments. Conclusions: Log-ON’s adoption promises significant improvements in urban mobility by reducing traffic-related pollution and fostering healthier, cleaner cities. However, traffic restrictions could increase delivery costs, potentially disrupting logistics operations. To address this, the development of new business models for last-mile delivery is essential, ensuring that sustainable traffic management strategies align with the economic challenges faced by logistics providers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Criteria Decision-Making and Its Application in Sustainable Smart Logistics)

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20 pages, 2765 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality, Safety, and Security Systems in the Greek Port Industry: Over Twenty Years of Research, Empirical Evidence, and Future Perspectives

by Constantinos Chlomoudis, Petros Kostagiolas, Petros Pallis and Charalampos Platias

Logistics 2024, 8(4), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics8040098 - 9 Oct 2024

Viewed by 545

Abstract

Background: Quality, Safety and Security are embedded in all aspects of port operations and are crucial for port industry stakeholders. Over the past decades, numerous assurance systems, codes, and regulations for quality, safety, and security have been developed and implemented in ports [...] Read more.

Background: Quality, Safety and Security are embedded in all aspects of port operations and are crucial for port industry stakeholders. Over the past decades, numerous assurance systems, codes, and regulations for quality, safety, and security have been developed and implemented in ports world-wide. This paper examines key insights for the implementation those systems in ports, reviewing over 20 years of empirical research on the impact and outcomes of such systems in Greek ports and internationally. Methods: It compares and discusses evidence from two empirical surveys spanning the first two decades of the 21rst century. The first survey was conducted in 2011 (with evidence from 2000 to 2011) including 12 major Greek ports (SAs) and the second one was conducted up to 2022–2023, including 23 over 25 Greek ports (the same SAs and other ones from the Greek TEN-T network). Results: The higher-level scope of this paper is to investigate critical perspectives on and trends in quality, safety, and security systems in the port industry. Conclusions: This investigation aims to strengthen the assumption that quality, safety, and security play a pivotal role in shaping the image, performance, and growth of ports. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Maritime and Transport Logistics)

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23 pages, 1306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Position of North Adriatic Terminals in Container Market Based on Different Indices

by Svjetlana Hess, Mirano Hess, Marko Novaselić and Luka Grbić

Logistics 2024, 8(4), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics8040097 - 7 Oct 2024

Viewed by 456

Abstract

Background: This paper addresses the common question of how service providers compare to their competitors and what their competitive advantages are. It focuses on the North Adriatic ports of Trieste, Koper, Rijeka, Venice, and Ravenna, all members of the North Adriatic Ports [...] Read more.

Background: This paper addresses the common question of how service providers compare to their competitors and what their competitive advantages are. It focuses on the North Adriatic ports of Trieste, Koper, Rijeka, Venice, and Ravenna, all members of the North Adriatic Ports Association, analyzing their position, size, competitiveness, and role in the container market. Methods: The research employs three distinct methods: market structure analysis using several concentration indices, the R method for ranking terminals, and aggregation of these indices to create a combined index for port performance. Results: Based on the rankings, indicators, the BCG matrix, and future development plans for each terminal, the ports are ranked as follows: Koper, Rijeka, Trieste, Venice, and Ravenna. Koper emerges as the leader, positioned in the high market share and strong growth category. This advantageous position allows Koper to efficiently attract traffic without requiring substantial investments. Conclusions: The contribution of the work is that the specific measure indices were applied, which were not used in the analysis of the North Adriatic container terminals until now. The research provides both a broad and detailed understanding of the position, role, and condition of each terminal. This insight enables stakeholders to take timely, strategic actions aimed at boosting productivity and traffic, ultimately improving their competitive standing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Maritime and Transport Logistics)

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18 pages, 612 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing a Dynamic Vehicle Routing Problem with Deep Reinforcement Learning: Analyzing State-Space Components

by Anna Konovalenko and Lars Magnus Hvattum

Logistics 2024, 8(4), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics8040096 - 2 Oct 2024

Viewed by 589

Abstract

Background: The dynamic vehicle routing problem (DVRP) is a complex optimization problem that is crucial for applications such as last-mile delivery. Our goal is to develop an application that can make real-time decisions to maximize total performance while adapting to the dynamic nature [...] Read more.

Background: The dynamic vehicle routing problem (DVRP) is a complex optimization problem that is crucial for applications such as last-mile delivery. Our goal is to develop an application that can make real-time decisions to maximize total performance while adapting to the dynamic nature of incoming orders. We formulate the DVRP as a vehicle routing problem where new customer requests arrive dynamically, requiring immediate acceptance or rejection decisions. Methods: This study leverages reinforcement learning (RL), a machine learning paradigm that operates via feedback-driven decisions, to tackle the DVRP. We present a detailed RL formulation and systematically investigate the impacts of various state-space components on algorithm performance. Our approach involves incrementally modifying the state space, including analyzing the impacts of individual components, applying data transformation methods, and incorporating derived features. Results: Our findings demonstrate that a carefully designed state space in the formulation of the DVRP significantly improves RL performance. Notably, incorporating derived features and selectively applying feature transformation enhanced the model’s decision-making capabilities. The combination of all enhancements led to a statistically significant improvement in the results compared with the basic state formulation. Conclusions: This research provides insights into RL modeling for DVRPs, highlighting the importance of state-space design. The proposed approach offers a flexible framework that is applicable to various variants of the DVRP, with potential for validation using real-world data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Artificial Intelligence, Logistics Analytics, and Automation)

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17 pages, 3545 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Framework for the Sustainable Modeling of Electric Truck Fleet Usage

by Irina Yatskiv (Jackiva), Jurijs Tolujevs and Vladimirs Petrovs

Logistics 2024, 8(4), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics8040095 - 26 Sep 2024

Viewed by 598

Abstract

Background: As road transport companies increasingly integrate electric trucks (eTrucks) into urban fleets, evaluating their performance in real-world conditions is essential for effective fleet management and infrastructure planning. Methods: This study introduces TraPodSim, a simulation system designed to assess the key performance indicators [...] Read more.

Background: As road transport companies increasingly integrate electric trucks (eTrucks) into urban fleets, evaluating their performance in real-world conditions is essential for effective fleet management and infrastructure planning. Methods: This study introduces TraPodSim, a simulation system designed to assess the key performance indicators (KPIs) of eTrucks and other vehicle types. Using real geographic data, transportation routes, and technical vehicle specifications, the system simulates daily operations under user-defined conditions. Results: TraPodSim produces 20 physical indicators, providing detailed insights into the daily performance of each vehicle in the fleet. These indicators help evaluate fleet efficiency, energy consumption, and overall operational effectiveness. Conclusions: TraPodSim offers transport companies a valuable tool for optimizing fleet configurations and analyzing the use of private or public battery-charging stations, enabling the efficient integration of eTrucks into existing transportation networks. Full article

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16 pages, 1222 KiB

Open AccessReview

Conceptualization of Supplier Involvement in Product Development Based on a Systematic Review of 47 Definitions

by Filip Flankegård, Glenn Johansson, Anna Granlund and Peter E. Johansson

Logistics 2024, 8(4), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics8040094 - 25 Sep 2024

Viewed by 343

Abstract

Background: Supplier involvement in product development has proven beneficial for companies and is a phenomenon researched in various domains. The definitions of supplier involvement represent points of origin and dimensions addressed in research. Still, there is no overview of these definitions and [...] Read more.

Background: Supplier involvement in product development has proven beneficial for companies and is a phenomenon researched in various domains. The definitions of supplier involvement represent points of origin and dimensions addressed in research. Still, there is no overview of these definitions and dimensions. This study reviews current definitions of the phenomenon of supplier involvement in product development and develops a conceptual model outlining its main dimensions. Methods: A systematic literature review is conducted to provide an overview of explicit definitions of supplier involvement in product development. By identifying the elements of these definitions, a conceptual model is developed to demonstrate how the phenomenon has been conceptualized in literature. Results: The results include an overview of 47 explicit definitions of supplier involvement in product development, a conceptual model including the identified dimensions, research gaps, and questions for future research. Conclusions: Supplier involvement in product development is a complex phenomenon with interdependencies between its key dimensions. A conceptual model of supplier involvement is presented, which is useful for categorizing research to identify research gaps and avenues for future research. Full article

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18 pages, 1639 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On-Demand Warehousing Platforms: Evolution and Trend Analysis of an Industrial Sharing Economy Model

by Valerio Elia, Maria Grazia Gnoni and Fabiana Tornese

Logistics 2024, 8(4), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics8040093 - 24 Sep 2024

Viewed by 386

Abstract

Background: The on-demand warehousing (ODW) model is emerging as a platform-enabled logistics solution based on resource sharing for businesses needing storage space. It is based on a business-to-business marketplace where companies can provide (or request) storage services with an elevated level of [...] Read more.

Background: The on-demand warehousing (ODW) model is emerging as a platform-enabled logistics solution based on resource sharing for businesses needing storage space. It is based on a business-to-business marketplace where companies can provide (or request) storage services with an elevated level of flexibility. The literature focusing on this topic is still scarce, and while the potential advantages of such a model seem quite clear, challenges and criticalities need to be further explored. Methods: Starting from a state-of-the-art analysis of ODW, a two-step methodology was adopted: first, a SWOT analysis was conducted to help summarize the challenges related to this emerging model. Then, an exploratory analysis of multiple case studies was employed to provide a first discussion on the advantages and criticalities of this model, highlighting its latest evolution. Results: The ODW model is still evolving, as several former pure ODW platforms have been changing their business model to become on-demand 4PLs (defined as “mixed ODW-4PLs”), adapting their core activities to manage the criticalities of on-demand services. Conclusions: This study represents the first attempt to investigate benefits and criticalities of ODW models, outlining the latest trend of ODW and identifying two distinct types of ODW model currently present on the market. Full article

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Logistics, Volume 8, Issue 4 (December 2024) – 15 articles

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