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.

摘要

工业 4.0 带来的发展已经蔓延到供应链中的各个组成部分，由于物流服务提供商 (LSP) 在不同参与者之间运营的中间角色，物流至关重要。尽管发挥了如此重要的作用，但现有文献缺乏对物流行业中工业 4.0 实施的广泛分析，特别是对于 LSP。因此，本研究着手通过采用多维方法全面调查物流中的工业 4.0 预测及其对 LSP 的反映。在这方面，受工业 4.0 发展影响的关键主题最初是通过在土耳其物流行业进行的结构化调查确定的。然后，在同一行业中，工业 4 的概率和影响。通过综合访谈调查检查以 0 为重点的主题陈述，该调查还包含“为什么类型”的问题。因此，本研究在从运营、财务和人力资源方面展示物流行业可能发生的变化方面提供了学术意义。此外，这些发现可为物流专业人士提供参考，同时促进他们的竞争性工业 4.0 计划并促进他们的战略决策。