Perspectives on acceleration in logistics: a study of mechanized areas in retail logistics platforms[Perspectives sur l’accélération dans la logistique : une étude des zones mécanisées dans les plateformes logistiques de la grande distribution]

The agri-food industry offers fertile ground for innovation, both in terms of products (quality, variety, health, and safety) and processes (flexibility, capacity utilization, technology, and sustainability). Logistics and distribution have become key success factors, enabling companies to deliver products and services while innovating, improving service levels, and meeting customer expectations. Crises such as COVID-19, the Suez Canal blockage, and trade tariffs have highlighted the critical need for timely delivery of essential consumer goods. This article explores the dynamics of acceleration within regional distribution centers (RDCs) in the food retail sector, drawing on a qualitative case study conducted with several companies that have implemented mechanized zones. The findings show that the acceleration of logistics flows — often regarded as a driver of efficiency and competitiveness — is primarily shaped by an economic logic aimed at expansion and accumulation, often at the expense of deeper consideration of social and environmental impacts. The study reveals that this dynamic follows a recurring cycle of investment, desynchronization, and abandonment, exposing the fragility of automation promises when confronted with unforeseen disruptions and flow variability. Three distinct temporal logics emerge from the analysis: the pursuit of acceleration, the moderation of risks, and a critical scepticism toward speed as an end in itself. These logics reflect an ongoing tension between the quest for operational fluidity, organizational resilience, and sustainability. The article concludes by proposing a future research agenda that investigates the relationship between time and sustainability in supply chains, arguing that balancing these three temporal logics could serve as a key lever for developing more responsible and resilient warehousing models.