Abstract
Purpose
In an increasingly volatile and complex business environment, logistics flexibility is becoming increasingly important, yet the specific impact of digital platforms is largely unexplored. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of digital platforms in enhancing logistics flexibility.
Design/methodology/approach
A theory elaboration approach is based on a conceptual framework grounded in dynamic capabilities for creating logistics flexibility. Using a case study research setting, we conducted 16 semi-structured interviews within the German manufacturing industry to elaborate the framework.
Findings
The findings provide key insights into how digital platforms can support logistics flexibility. We also emphasize the ability to facilitate logistics flexibility by advancing capabilities such as the rapid identification of changes or the efficient reconfiguration of processes and resources. Our contribution extends the understanding of the strategic importance of digital platforms in the context of logistics flexibility.
Research limitations/implications
Future research could shed light on the differences and similarities between corporations and SMEs or in comparison to other industries.
Practical implications
In practice, the results offer concrete starting points for using digital platforms to overcome disruptions and make optimum use of available capacities in dynamic business environments. Overall, the study contributes to a broader understanding of the strategic importance of digital platforms in the context of SCM flexibility and underlines their significance as indispensable tools for the agile design of supply chains.
Original/value
This study contributes to the understanding of how digital platforms contribute to overcoming challenges and optimizing logistics flexibility at the strategic, structural, and operational levels.
In an increasingly volatile and complex business environment, logistics flexibility is becoming increasingly important, yet the specific impact of digital platforms is largely unexplored. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of digital platforms in enhancing logistics flexibility.
Design/methodology/approach
A theory elaboration approach is based on a conceptual framework grounded in dynamic capabilities for creating logistics flexibility. Using a case study research setting, we conducted 16 semi-structured interviews within the German manufacturing industry to elaborate the framework.
Findings
The findings provide key insights into how digital platforms can support logistics flexibility. We also emphasize the ability to facilitate logistics flexibility by advancing capabilities such as the rapid identification of changes or the efficient reconfiguration of processes and resources. Our contribution extends the understanding of the strategic importance of digital platforms in the context of logistics flexibility.
Research limitations/implications
Future research could shed light on the differences and similarities between corporations and SMEs or in comparison to other industries.
Practical implications
In practice, the results offer concrete starting points for using digital platforms to overcome disruptions and make optimum use of available capacities in dynamic business environments. Overall, the study contributes to a broader understanding of the strategic importance of digital platforms in the context of SCM flexibility and underlines their significance as indispensable tools for the agile design of supply chains.
Original/value
This study contributes to the understanding of how digital platforms contribute to overcoming challenges and optimizing logistics flexibility at the strategic, structural, and operational levels.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Logistics and Supply Chain Management in a Risky and Uncertain World : Proceedings of the 36th Annual Nofoma Conference |
| Editors | Per Skoglund, Tore Listou |
| Number of pages | 16 |
| Place of Publication | Stockholm |
| Publisher | Kungl. Tekniska högskolan I Stockholm |
| Publication date | 2024 |
| Pages | 364-379 |
| Publication status | Published - 2024 |
| Event | The 36th NOFOMA Conference 2024: Logistics and Supply Chain Management in a Risky and Uncertain World - Stockholm, Sweden Duration: 13 Jun 2024 → 14 Jun 2024 Conference number: 36 https://www.kth.se/nofoma-2024/nofoma-2024-1.1279427 |
Conference
| Conference | The 36th NOFOMA Conference 2024 |
|---|---|
| Number | 36 |
| Country/Territory | Sweden |
| City | Stockholm |
| Period | 13/06/2024 → 14/06/2024 |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- Digital platforms
- Logistics flexibility
- Dynamic capabilities
- Supply chain management
- Agile supply chains