Title: Systematic literature review and research gap issues on third party logistics operators selecting WMS for efficient operations for customers

Authors: Daria Minashkina; Ari Happonen

Addresses: LUT School of Engineering Science, LUT University, Yliopistonkatu 34, 53850 Lappeenranta, Finland ' LUT School of Engineering Science, LUT University, Yliopistonkatu 34, 53850 Lappeenranta, Finland

Abstract: Publication reveals the current literature knowledge, intersection of 3PLs and warehouse management systems. The systematic literature review found 58 relevant publications, which were studied and classified to five most apparent and clearly present main groups. Groups were: a clear reference in the publication to WMS and 3PLs, WMS warehouse characteristics, WMS taxonomy division, WMS functions scope and WMS deployment considerations. Only eight publications were found to consider 3PLs using WMSs. The found literature did not contain any publications directly discussing 3PLs running and installing a WMS with the goal of running customers' warehouses. Some found publications used IMS as a substitute for WMS, even when the meaning is not the same. Given the systematic review process, the large number of covered database and wide range of keywords, the scarcity of results was surprising. Not even a publication with content of 3PLs selection a proper WMS for customer warehouse operations was found. Results indicate strong need to fill this research gap.

Keywords: warehouse management system; WMS; third party logistics; 3PLs; systematic literature review; SLR; research gap; decision-making; efficiency; warehouse logistics; ICT; WMS taxonomy; WMS functions; WMS selection; warehouse characteristics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSCIM.2020.107282

International Journal of Supply Chain and Inventory Management, 2020 Vol.3 No.2, pp.142 - 166

Received: 22 Nov 2018
Accepted: 07 Nov 2019
Published online: 11 May 2020 *

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