Logistics Service Provider Lifecycle Model in Industry 4.0: A Review

Abstract

Supply chain and logistics management is of tremendous importance for multinational organizations. Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) provide logistics services and smooth logistics operations between suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and customers. This paper uses a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to identify the current trends and future developments of LSPs and the underlying (smart) logistics operations connected to the concept of lifecycle management. An SLR review was conducted to identify relevant research papers in the areas of LSPs and logistics lifecycle management. Out of 288 papers analyzed, 81 were identified as highly appropriate for in-depth analysis. The LSP Lifecycle Model (LSLM) was then developed by combining logistics service characteristics and the lifecycle management concept, including Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Service Lifecycle Management (SLM), and Product Service System (PSS). The LSLM consists of three phases: The Beginning of Life (BOL), the Middle of Life (MOL), and the End of Life (EOL). The LSLM is characterized by three phases, eight criteria, and seventeen sub-criteria. This paper aims to fulfil customer requirements through a product or service in the whole lifecycle of the logistics service provider. The findings further present an adaptable LSLM by focusing on various logistics services and integrating sustainability factors to meet market trends. Logistics cost factors can also be used to evaluate logistics services in the MOL stage. The EOL shows the trend of risk management, evaluation, and decomposition, which is determined by new or re-designed logistics products and services.