The emergence and adoption of digitalization in the logistics and supply chain industry: an institutional perspective

Abstract

PurposeDespite increasing interest in digital services and products, the emergence of digitalization in the logistics and supply chain (L&SC) industry has received little attention, in particular from organizational theorists. In response, taking an institutionalist view, the authors argue that the emergence and adoption of digitalization is a socially constructed phenomenon.Design/methodology/approachThis paper shows how actor-level frameshifts contribute to an emergence of an overarching “digitalization logic” in the L&SC industry at the field level. Building on a longitudinal analysis of field actors' frames and logics, the authors track the development of digitalization over the last 60 years in the L&SC sector.FindingsThe authors classify specific time periods by key field-configuring events, describe the relevant frameshifts in each time period and present a process that explains how and why digitalization has emerged, been adopted and manifested itself in the L&SC industry.Originality/valueThe findings of the study provide insights about the evolution of a digitalization logic and thus advance the institutional view on digitalization in the L&SC industry.

COVID-19 and the pursuit of supply chain resilience: reactions and “lessons learned” from logistics service providers (LSPs)

“…The reflections of the interviewees regarding digitalization indicate that LSP should strive for what Stank et al (2019) calls the "digitally dominant paradigm" and its adoption in supply chain management. Although digitalization research has only recently increased in logistics and supply chain sphere, the opportunities through big data, predictive analysis or blockchain can be regarded as game changers for the entire industry (Cichosz et al, 2020;Dobrovnik et al, 2018;Garay-Rondero et al, 2019;Herold et al, 2021;Holmström and Partanen, 2014;Hribernik et al, 2020;Ivanov and Dolgui, 2020a;Kummer et al, 2020;Queiroz et al, 2019;Roßmann et al, 2018;Saberi et al, 2019). It was also raised that in case of a contingency situation such as the pandemic, more emphasis should be given to the communication between operations and sales to both secure and drive business opportunities.…”

Digital transformation for enhancing LSP (Logistic Service Provider) performance

“…In general, the company strategically acquires knowledge and technical resources to ensure service and improve their performance (Karia, 2018) which are in the long run will enhance business processes and/or decision making and differentiate them from potential competitors (Karia, 2018). Given the benefits of digital technology, can be identified, including consumer sensitivity, as well as low capacity and security (Herold et al, 2021), increased productivity (on-time delivery), cost reduction and innovation, where LSP can remain competitive and cultivate their performances' (Coskun-Setirek & Tanrikulu, 2021). Moreover, logistic-Service Provider performances reflects the performance of an organization to its ability to deliver goods and services in precise quantities and precise times required by customers (Burroughs & Burroughs, 2020;Herold et al, 2021).…”

“…Given the benefits of digital technology, can be identified, including consumer sensitivity, as well as low capacity and security (Herold et al, 2021), increased productivity (on-time delivery), cost reduction and innovation, where LSP can remain competitive and cultivate their performances' (Coskun-Setirek & Tanrikulu, 2021). Moreover, logistic-Service Provider performances reflects the performance of an organization to its ability to deliver goods and services in precise quantities and precise times required by customers (Burroughs & Burroughs, 2020;Herold et al, 2021). Technology and logistics systems cannot be avoided to become a unit in balancing changes in the era of globalization.…”

Start-ups in the logistics industry: Advancing a framework for the disruptive potential of digital freight forwarder platforms (DFFs)

“…Digitalization within the logistics service industry is of increasing strategic importance for businesses and corporations as it impacts established paradigms, business models and industry boundaries (Barrett et al, 2015;Chapman et al, 2003;Herold et al, 2021;Klötzer & Pflaum, 2017;. In particular, incumbent companies are challenged by digital logistics start-ups that offer a range of services traditionally provided by established logistics companies or providers (Bharadwaj et al, 2013;Kummer et al, 2020;Sandström et al, 2009;Sucky & Asdecker, 2019).…”