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Conceptualizing Warehouse 4.0 Technologies in the Third-Party Logistics Industry: An Empirical Study

Author

Listed:
  • Erika Marie Strøm

    (Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark)

  • Julie Amanda Busch

    (Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark)

  • Lars Hvam

    (Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark)

  • Anders Haug

    (Department of Business and Sustainability, University of Southern Denmark, 6000 Kolding, Denmark)

Abstract

Background : Industry 4.0 (I4.0) has gained significant attention in recent years, with the term Logistics 4.0 (L4.0) emerging in the logistics industry. However, L4.0 remains vague and lacks a unified definition or classification of related technologies. Existing studies defining L4.0 are mainly conceptual and speculative, rather than grounded in empirical research. To address this gap, this study contributes to defining L4.0 through the sub-area of Warehouse 4.0 (W4.0), focusing on the challenges of adopting I4.0 technologies in warehouses. Methods : Through the I4.0 and L4.0 literature, an initial classification of W4.0 technologies in third-party logistics (3PL) was developed. This was refined using a case study of a global logistics service provider (LSP) in the 3PL industry, through semi-structured interviews with stakeholders. Results : The empirical findings identify new application areas for I4.0 technology in 3PL warehouses, including horizontal and vertical system integration, big data, and cybersecurity, technologies that can enhance 3PL competitiveness. Conclusions : This study offers a structured classification of W4.0 technologies and insights into the application areas of W4.0 in 3PLs. It contributes practical insights into which I4.0 technologies are relevant for the 3PL warehouse industry and their potential application areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Erika Marie Strøm & Julie Amanda Busch & Lars Hvam & Anders Haug, 2025. "Conceptualizing Warehouse 4.0 Technologies in the Third-Party Logistics Industry: An Empirical Study," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-19, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:9:y:2025:i:3:p:125-:d:1740066
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Markus Epe & Muhammad Azmat & Dewan Md Zahurul Islam & Rameez Khalid, 2024. "Use of Smart Glasses for Boosting Warehouse Efficiency: Implications for Change Management," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 8(4), pages 1-25, October.
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