IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jlogis/v9y2025i2p44-d1619175.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

New Dimensions in the Study of Outsourcing Logistics Services: The Role of Digitalization in Enhancing Efficiency

Author

Listed:
  • Péter Tamás

    (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Informatics, University of Miskolc, 3515 Miskolc-Egyetemváros, Hungary)

Abstract

Background : Ensuring cost-efficient and high-quality processes for logistics tasks is a significant competitive factor for companies. This includes not only improving existing processes but also examining outsourcing opportunities. Current trends, such as the increasing variety of products, shorter product life cycles, and a dynamically changing economic environment, necessitate frequent reviews and, if needed, the reorganization of logistics activities. Methods : Modern digitalization technologies (e.g., digital twins, artificial intelligence, etc.) open new possibilities for (re)evaluating outsourcing decisions, such as improving process transparency and leveraging optimization opportunities. The currently applied solutions are fragmented and, in many cases, do not integrate digitalization technologies and standardized examination processes, necessitating the development of a new process development framework concept. The research follows an inductive–deductive methodology, combining practical industrial experience with a thorough literature review. Results : The framework presented in this study enables a faster and more efficient evaluation compared to previous approaches by incorporating the application of digitalization technologies. The validity of the developed concept is demonstrated through a case study. Conclusions : The findings highlight the importance of integrating digitalization technologies into logistics process development to enhance decision-making and efficiency. The proposed framework provides a structured approach that facilitates a more effective evaluation of outsourcing decisions and process improvements.

Suggested Citation

  • Péter Tamás, 2025. "New Dimensions in the Study of Outsourcing Logistics Services: The Role of Digitalization in Enhancing Efficiency," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 9(2), pages 1-24, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:9:y:2025:i:2:p:44-:d:1619175
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6290/9/2/44/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6290/9/2/44/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Marasco, Alessandra, 2008. "Third-party logistics: A literature review," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 113(1), pages 127-147, May.
    2. Henriett Matyi & Péter Tamás, 2023. "An Innovative Framework for Quality Assurance in Logistics Packaging," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 7(4), pages 1-13, November.
    3. Tyagi, Satish & Choudhary, Alok & Cai, Xianming & Yang, Kai, 2015. "Value stream mapping to reduce the lead-time of a product development process," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 160(C), pages 202-212.
    4. Duangpun Kritchanchai & Daranee Senarak & Tuangyot Supeekit & Wirachchaya Chanpuypetch, 2024. "Evaluating Supply Chain Network Models for Third Party Logistics Operated Supply-Processing-Distribution in Thai Hospitals: An AHP-Fuzzy TOPSIS Approach," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 8(4), pages 1-28, November.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Péter Tamás, 2018. "Innovative Business Model for Realization of Sustainable Supply Chain at the Outsourcing Examination of Logistics Services," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(1), pages 1-12, January.
    2. Jayaram, Jayanth & Tan, Keah-Choon, 2010. "Supply chain integration with third-party logistics providers," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 125(2), pages 262-271, June.
    3. S. Maryam Masoumi & Nima Kazemi & Salwa Hanim Abdul-Rashid, 2019. "Sustainable Supply Chain Management in the Automotive Industry: A Process-Oriented Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(14), pages 1-30, July.
    4. Davor Mance & Dora Šekimić & Borna Debelić, 2025. "Croatia’s Economic Integration in EU’s Regional Supply Chains: Panel Data Quantile Regression," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 9(2), pages 1-19, April.
    5. Rajesh Kumar Singh & Ayush Gupta, 2020. "Framework for sustainable maintenance system: ISM–fuzzy MICMAC and TOPSIS approach," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 290(1), pages 643-676, July.
    6. Murat Gunduz & Ayman Fahmi Naser, 2017. "Cost Based Value Stream Mapping as a Sustainable Construction Tool for Underground Pipeline Construction Projects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(12), pages 1-20, November.
    7. Woo, Hong Seng & Saghiri, Soroosh, 2011. "Order assignment considering buyer, third-party logistics provider, and suppliers," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 130(2), pages 144-152, April.
    8. Huo, Baofeng & Ye, Yuxiao & Zhao, Xiande, 2015. "The impacts of trust and contracts on opportunism in the 3PL industry: The moderating role of demand uncertainty," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 170(PA), pages 160-170.
    9. Huo, Baofeng & Ye, Yuxiao & Zhao, Xiande & Wei, Jiang & Hua, Zhongsheng, 2018. "Environmental uncertainty, specific assets, and opportunism in 3PL relationships: A transaction cost economics perspective," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 203(C), pages 154-163.
    10. Cherneva, Denitsa & Voigt, Kai-Ingo, 2015. "Outsourcing to 4PLs – Opportunities, Challenges, Future Outlook," Chapters from the Proceedings of the Hamburg International Conference of Logistics (HICL), in: Kersten, Wolfgang & Blecker, Thorsten & Ringle, Christian M. (ed.), Innovations and Strategies for Logistics and Supply Chains: Technologies, Business Models and Risk Management. Proceedings of the Hamburg Internationa, volume 20, pages 231-255, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Institute of Business Logistics and General Management.
    11. Erik Hofmann & Florin Osterwalder, 2017. "Third-Party Logistics Providers in the Digital Age: Towards a New Competitive Arena?," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 1(2), pages 1-28, November.
    12. Ezzeddine Ben Mohamed & Baccar Ame & Abdelfatteh Bouri, 2013. "Investment Cash Flow Sensitivity and Managerial Optimism: A Literature Review via the Classification Scheme Technique," The Review of Finance and Banking, Academia de Studii Economice din Bucuresti, Romania / Facultatea de Finante, Asigurari, Banci si Burse de Valori / Catedra de Finante, vol. 5(1), pages 007-026, June.
    13. Afonso Vaz de Oliveira & Carina M. Oliveira Pimentel & Radu Godina & João Carlos de Oliveira Matias & Susana M. Palavra Garrido, 2022. "Improvement of the Logistics Flows in the Receiving Process of a Warehouse," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 6(1), pages 1-23, March.
    14. François Fulconis & Virginie Hiesse & Gilles Paché, 2011. "The 3PL Provider as Catalyst of Coopetitive Strategies-An Exploratory Study," Post-Print hal-02300882, HAL.
    15. Ashwani Kumar Dhingra & Sunil Kumar & Bhim Singh, 2019. "Cost reduction and quality improvement through Lean-Kaizen concept using value stream map in Indian manufacturing firms," International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management, Springer;The Society for Reliability, Engineering Quality and Operations Management (SREQOM),India, and Division of Operation and Maintenance, Lulea University of Technology, Sweden, vol. 10(4), pages 792-800, August.
    16. Noureddine Dahmani & Amine Belhadi & Khalid Benhida & Said Elfezazi & Fatima Ezahra Touriki & Yassine Azougagh, 2022. "Integrating lean design and eco-design to improve product design: From literature review to an operational framework," Energy & Environment, , vol. 33(1), pages 189-219, February.
    17. Zhang, Jian & Nault, Barrie R. & Tu, Yiliu, 2015. "A dynamic pricing strategy for a 3PL provider with heterogeneous customers," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 169(C), pages 31-43.
    18. Caunhye, Aakil M. & Nie, Xiaofeng & Pokharel, Shaligram, 2012. "Optimization models in emergency logistics: A literature review," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 46(1), pages 4-13.
    19. Wagner, Stephan M. & Sutter, Reto, 2012. "A qualitative investigation of innovation between third-‐party logistics providers and customers," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 140(2), pages 944-958.
    20. Gligor, David M. & Esmark, Carol L., 2015. "Supply chain friends: The good, the bad, and the ugly," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 58(5), pages 517-525.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:9:y:2025:i:2:p:44-:d:1619175. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.