ISO 9001 and standardised logistics management: an empirical analysis in Spanish small and medium-sized enterprises

Abstract

The relation between quality management and logistics performance has been evaluated in many research works, but our concern here lies with the relation between quality management and logistics management itself, that is, with how certified quality management systems guarantee by themselves that companies are appropriately managing their underlying logistics processes. We describe an evaluation tool to estimate the maturity level of logistics management systems, according to a previous logistics management model fully integrated with the ISO 9001 standard, and show the results of its application to a sample of Spanish small and medium-sized enterprises, selected for the maximum accuracy and representativity of those results. The conclusion is that quality certifications help improve the management of logistics processes, but additional tools, possibly including a specific logistics management standard, are required.