International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

Kembro, Joakim Hans; Norrman, Andreas; Eriksson, Ebba

2018 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/ijpdlm-01-2017-0052

The purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding of how warehouse operations and design are affected by the move toward integrated omni-channels.Design/methodology/approachA structured literature review is conducted to identify and categorize themes in multi- and omni-channel logistics, and to discuss how aspects related to these themes impact and pose contingencies for warehouse operations and design.FindingsThe review revealed a lack of focus on warehouse operations and design in multi- and omni-channels. Instead, most articles published in scientific journals discuss changes in consumer demand and implications for the network level, concerning aspects such as the organization and management of material and information flows, inventory management, resources, actors and relationships. Ten themes in omni-channel logistics were identified and grouped into two categories: the value proposition and channel management; and the physical distribution network design. The themes and related aspects have implications for warehousing, and by combining these with general warehousing knowledge, the authors derive a comprehensive and structured agenda is derived to guide future research on omni-channel warehousing.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper outlines a research agenda, including detailed research questions, for advancing the theory on warehouse operations and design in omni-channels.Practical implicationsThe agenda can inspire practitioners in their work to understand the upcoming challenges and address relevant issues in omni-channel warehousing, taking into consideration its interdependence with value proposition, channel management and network decisions.Originality/valueThis is the first comprehensive review focusing on and synthesizing available literature on omni-channel warehousing. This topic has until now received limited coverage but is of increasing importance to scholars in the field.

Tsvetkova, Antonina; Gammelgaard, Britta

2018 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/ijpdlm-05-2017-0200

The purpose of this paper is to explore how supply chain strategies emerge and evolve in response to contextual influence.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative single-case study presents the journey of a supply chain strategy, conceptualised as the idea of transport independence in the Russian Arctic context. Data from 18 semi-structured interviews, personal observations and archival materials are interpreted through the institutional concepts of translation and editing effects.FindingsThe study reveals how supply chain strategies evolve over time and can affect institutional factors. The case study further reveals how contextual conditions make a company reconsider its core competencies as well as the role of supply chain management practices. The findings show that strategy implementation through purposeful actions can represent a powerful resistance to contextual pressures and constraints, as well as being a facilitator of change in actual supply chains and their context. During the translation of the idea of transport independence into actions, the supply chain strategy transformed itself into a form of strategic collaboration and thereby made supply chains in the Russian Arctic more integrated than before.Research limitations/implicationsMore empirical studies on strategy implementation in interaction with contextual and institutional factors are suggested. An institutional process perspective is applied in this study but the authors suggest that future research should include a human dimension by an exploration of day-to-day routines and challenges that employees face when strategising and the actions they take.Originality/valueThe study provides an understanding of how a new supply chain strategy emerges and how it changes during implementation. In this process-oriented study – merging context, process and strategy content – it is further shown that a supply chain strategy may affect the context by responding to contextual and institutional challenges.

García-Arca, Jesús; Prado-Prado, J. Carlos; Fernández-González, Arturo J.

2018 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/IJPDLM-05-2017-0199

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose and validate a framework for improving efficiency in road transport based on key performance indicators (KPIs) and personnel participation. The use of the “Overall Equipment Effectiveness” (OEE) indicator is widespread in factories. The framework adapts OEE to transport management.Design/methodology/approachResearch was divided into two phases. The first phase included development of a participative framework, which was based on the authors’ experience and a literature review related to transport KPIs. The second phase involved the validation of the framework, adopting an “Action Research” approach by leading its implementation in a Spanish retailer.FindingsImplementation of the framework has promoted more efficient transport in the company. The framework could be extrapolated to other companies, particularly, transport and parcel companies. By applying the “Action Research” approach it has been shown that researchers and practitioners can create knowledge by resolving problems that are of interest to both parties.Research limitations/implicationsThe framework has been applied in one company and could achieve broader validation. Additionally, integrating only indicators of transport efficiency into the OEE proposal has meant that other perspectives, such as costs or the environment, have not been dealt with directly.Originality/valueThe framework is a new line of research applied to transport management. The academic and business contributions fall into three areas: transport management, organizational change and the methodology. There are few examples that illustrate “Action Research” adoption within the scope of supply chain management.

Sanz, Guillem; Pastor, Rafael; Domenech, Bruno

2018 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/IJPDLM-09-2017-0286

PurposeCity logistics is a challenge in many cities. Literature works focus on the analysis of large or local-scale solutions to increase the efficiency of freight transport. However, store deliveries from the perspective of practitioners, particularly retail stores, are still an issue. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to propose a decision framework to assist logistics managers in defining efficient re-shelving solutions for store deliveries, according to the emplacement characteristics, city administration constraints and social issues.Design/methodology/approachAn iterative step-by-step decision framework is developed, which allows taking decisions in a clear and structured way, including the preferences of key stakeholders. Moreover, a “what if” procedure is proposed, aiming to modify some initial conditions of the target store to achieve more efficient solutions.FindingsThe proposed decision framework is applicable in practice and helps users (mainly logistics managers) to identify solutions for efficient re-shelving in urban settings.Research limitations/implicationsThe decision framework is applied by the logistics manager of two Spanish food retail stores, but it could be used in different logistics sectors and cities/regions, although adapting the decisions taken at each phase.Practical implicationsLogistics managers have a support tool when addressing re-shelving solutions for store deliveries.Social implicationsA balance can be found between company interests (minimise costs) and citizens quality of life (less contamination, noise, traffic, etc.).Originality/valueThis study simultaneously deals with large- and local-scale decisions faced by logistics managers in their day-to-day activity, considering details about the store location, its surroundings and the company it belongs.