A Research on the Role of Flexibility and Agility in the Effect of Investments in Industry 4.0 on Logistics Service Production Performance

Abstract

Purpose – Industry 4.0 is a new generation transformation in which the supply chain activities from production to post-delivery are largely carried out by smart objects. In this context, supply chain stakeholders need to cooperate with the support of integrated new generation technologies. Logistics Service Providers, one of the important stakeholders of the supply chain, should also benefit from new generation technologies. In this respect, for competitive advantage, Logistics Service Providers should produce fast, value-added and quality service according to the real-time demands of their supply chains with the support of new generation technologies. Design/methodology/approach – In this study, research hypotheses were formed on basis of the relational screening model. Data were collected from 158 companies that are members of the Service Exporters' Association by survey technique and hypotheses were tested with Structural Equation Modeling. Findings – As a result of the analysis, the research hypotheses that investments towards Industry 4.0 positively affect logistics agility, logistics flexibility and logistics service production performance were supported. In addition, the hypotheses stating that logistics flexibility and logistics agility have a mediating role in the effect of investments towards Industry 4.0 on logistics service production performance were also supported. Discussion – In line with the purpose of the research, a literature review was conducted. Within the framework of the literature review, no generalizable study has been found on Logistics Service Providers who have made investments towards Industry 4.0. In this study, hypotheses were supported within the framework of the purpose of the research. Therefore, it is thought that the results of the research make important contributions to the literature in this respect.