Drones for supply chain management and logistics: a review and research agenda

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examines the potentials and challenges of drones, or unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs), in supply chain management (SCM) and logistics. A systematic literature review was performed to capture the dynamics surrounding drones and to provide a timely and comprehensive overview of what has been studied so far and what needs to be investigated in the future. 55 publications were selected and thoroughly analysed. The findings of this study illustrate that the potential strengths of applying drones in SCM and logistics are: (1) support of humanitarian logistics, (2) reduced delivery time, (3) reduced cost, (4) improved flexibility, and (5) increased sustainability. In addition, the challenges posed by drones in SCM and logistics are grouped into technical, organisational, safety-related, and regulatory issues. This study also investigates real-life drone deployments in SCM and logistics and sets forth an agenda for future research.