Identification of Logistics 4.0 Maturity Levels in Polish Companies—Framework of the Model and Preliminary Research

Abstract

The paper describes maturity model that have been developed in order to assess Logistics 4.0 level. The model is elaborated on the basis of literature review with respect to Logistics 4.0 and maturity models. Its objective is to propose measures that exhibit what solutions are recommended for companies as well as how they can improve their actual state of Logistics 4.0. This paper presents the actual review of literature referred to Logistics 4.0, Internet of Things as well as maturity models. Based on the aforementioned backgrounds, the novelty of proposed model is confirmed. The proposed model distinguishes three main dimensions to be assessed in terms of Logistics 4.0: management, flow of materials, and flow of information. Each dimension comprises particular identified areas such as degree of automation, degree of robotization, integration of value chains, data capturing and usage, the scope of autonomous decisions, and the others. The findings from survey enable classification of companies and assessment of their Logistics 4.0 maturity in each dimension. Furthermore, the authors distinguish five maturity levels: Ignoring, Defining, Adopting, Managing, and Integrated (Oleśkow-Szlapka and Stachowiak in Intelligent systems in production engineering and maintenance. Springer, pp 771–781, 2016). The L4MM matrix makes possible a complex overview of the whole processes and finally gives guidelines on how to search for a higher maturity level. The preliminary research has been done within logistics companies and based on the conducted survey, it was possible to assess what is actual knowledge and implementation of Logistics 4.0 tools. The characteristics and areas of the model defined enable the assessment of maturity levels within companies providing Logistics services (transport and warehouses) in Poland. Identification of logistics maturity of companies will contribute data for analyzing correlations between the maturity level of a company, and its competitive position, size, development dynamics, number of services offered, structure of capital, and level of internationalization of operations (Oleśkow-Szlapka and Stachowiak in Intelligent systems in production engineering and maintenance. Springer, pp 771–781, 2016). The model proposed by the authors will enhance static logistics maturity models adding to them a dynamic aspect.