The impact of Logistics 4.0 on corporate sustainability: a performance assessment of automated warehouse operations
Benchmarking: An International Journal
ISSN: 1463-5771
Article publication date: 29 March 2021
Issue publication date: 5 November 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the impacts of Logistics 4.0 initiatives (focusing on automated warehousing systems) on the economic, environmental and social dimensions of firms' sustainability performance. To achieve this objective, a new framework for the assessment of sustainable warehousing in the 4.0 era is developed.
Design/methodology/approach
The framework, developed via the item-objective congruence index, Q-sort method and interviews with experts, is employed to assess performance changes through management interviews in two warehousing companies after the implementation of automation technologies.
Findings
Most aspects of both companies' sustainability performance are considerably improved (e.g. productivity, accuracy, air emission, worker safety and supply chain visibility); however, the outcome for some criteria might be worsened or improved depending on each company's solutions and strategies (e.g. increasing electricity bills, maintenance costs and job losses).
Practical implications
The findings provide insight into the effective implementation of warehousing technologies. The proposed framework is also a valid and reliable instrument for sustainability assessment for warehousing operators, which companies can utilise for self-assessment.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to establishing a body of literature that explores the previously unclarified effects of Logistics 4.0 on firms' sustainability performance. The proposed framework, which captures critical concerns of corporate sustainability and technological adaptation, is also the first of its kind for warehouse performance assessment.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the joint funding of the Graduate School and the Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kean University, under the project “Research Fund for Supporting Lecturer to Admit High Potential Student to Study and Research on His Expert Program Year 2018”.
Disclosure statement: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Citation
Nantee, N. and Sureeyatanapas, P. (2021), "The impact of Logistics 4.0 on corporate sustainability: a performance assessment of automated warehouse operations", Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. 28 No. 10, pp. 2865-2895. https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-11-2020-0583
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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