Sustainable effects of information sharing between distribution logistics actors: a qualitative case study

With the expansion of the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in business, a large literature has developed around the issue of logistics information. The sharing of information between the actors involved in the distribution logistics process can have both economic and environmental consequences. In Morocco, no researcher has examined the issue. This article attempts to examine this research gap by conducting a qualitative study. We have interviewed 41 actors from different functions, namely: CEO, distributors, industrialists, LSP, and urban communities. The results show that the analysis of data quality (in terms of reliability, temporality, accessibility, and completeness) required to support electronic exchange practices should help to verify their economic (reduction of coordination costs) and environmental (reduction of transport) impacts. Also, the pick-up points seem to be real tools of massification and pooling, which e-merchants do not hesitate to rely on. This article has many implications. In terms of theory, it contributes significantly to completing the theoretical survey on the effects of information sharing between the distribution logistics actors. On the other hand, it helps companies to improve their industrial and logistic performance in terms of inventory levels, service quality, and logistics costs.