Digital Transformation of Logistics and SCM: The Long Way from Digitization to Digital Business Models

The need to digitally transform is omnipresent in almost every company. Nevertheless, many companies are currently still failing to holistically apply the implications of increasing digitalization to their business model. Thus, this paper aims to analyze drivers, technological elements as well as the success of companies on their way from digitization efforts to a digital business model. This study utilizes a representative longitudinal online survey that covers key stakeholders in logistics and SCM. Our findings show that on the way from digitization (simply transferring analog processes to digital ones) to a digital business model, companies perceive increased opportunities and reduced risks. They expand their focus on cost reductions to new ways of increasing revenues. Technological concepts that contribute to generate a digital twin of the material flow, as well as the usage of platforms/IT services and forecasting methods, are of essential and increasing importance. Companies in the early stages of their way to a digital business model seem to misjudge the potential of concepts like predictive analytics. We finally can show that it is worth taking the long way. The further companies are on their path, the higher is their adaptability to key trends. Our results contribute to the research on digital business models and provide insights for practitioners on how to effectively tread the path to a digital business model.