INTEGRATED LOGISTICS PLATFORM - An empirical analysis from the port industry

Paper in proceeding, 2010

Purpose of this paper - Systematic integration of supply chain interfaces enables port industries to compete effectively in the global marketplace. The purpose of this paper is to explore the integration issues in port operations and furthermore identify the necessary components of an Integrated Logistics Platform (ILP) that can be used as a framework for systematic integration. Design/methodology/approach - To prepare this paper, a study of the logistics literature was conducted together with an indepth case study. To analyze the data, a theoretical model was developed using a well known supply chain management (SCM) framework and value-chain mechanism. The study examines three elements related to port industries; network structures, key business processes and selected management components. Findings - The key elements for successful implementation of the ILP revealed from the case studies are: supply chain coordination, business processes integration and system optimization. Associated with these key elements, two value-chain mechanisms were assumed to be imperative: combined transport carrying capacity and the automatic match between the facility-based operations and the transport distribution network. Practical implications (if applicable) - The framework presented in this paper is valuable for companies within the port industry. It will furthermore benefit all members of the maritime supply chains and useful for developing corporate customer value. What is original/value of paper - The idea behind the study is to contribute to a better understanding of integration issues within the maritime supply chain through a grounded single case study that leads to identifying key elements and mechanisms for successful implementation of the ILP framework.