Digitalization in Logistics for Competitive Excellence

Abstract

Logistics is presently undergoing a transformative phase driven by rapid digitalization. This trend has spurred an in-depth exploration of the industry's theoretical potential and practical challenges. This comprehensive review focuses on practical applications, delving deeply into the increasing interest in digital technologies within logistics. The primary objective of this study is to conduct a bibliometric analysis to unravel the growth and academic development of the concept of logistic digitalization. The investigation examines academic literature from the Web of Science database spanning 2020-2024. Using VOS Viewer, an intellectual structure and bibliographic analysis are performed on selected articles. The cluster that concentrates on articles about the Internet of Things (IoT) technology and its impact on the logistics economy (the fourth cluster) is most closely related to the digital theme. The study combines theoretical framework, including Michael Porter's and the Resource-Based View, to illustrate the connections that improve business competitiveness. The examination of investments in digital technology sheds light on the logistics sector's experiences during the years when these investments impact labor productivity. Descriptive analysis results suggest that companies implementing technology can achieve a workforce productivity increase of up to 20%, underscoring the significance of technology investments for enhancing business competitiveness. These findings shed light on how various logistics sub-sectors respond to investments in software and computers and the rate at which these technologies influence labor productivity metrics. These empirical findings substantially reinforce the theoretical framework, providing practical implications and emphasizing the critical necessity for logistics firms to integrate digital technologies into their operational frameworks seamlessly. In conclusion, as the logistics landscape hovers on the brink of a digital revolution, businesses must adeptly navigate and wholeheartedly embrace digital solutions to ensure competitiveness.