Title: Waste in Logistics 4.0 systems and applicable lean methods: interviews with experts

Authors: Simon Urban; Serina Al-Haddad

Addresses: Department of Business, Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, USA ' Department of Business, Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, USA

Abstract: Logistics 4.0 systems are expected to change the current understanding of digital data and supply chain in terms of value, accessibility, and cost. This paper contributes a unique analysis of Logistics 4.0 and lean logistics and reviews the types of waste in Logistics 4.0. It also discusses how lean methods can help in reducing waste in Logistics 4.0 and be an economical option for companies. Moreover, it explores what types of waste are likely to exist in Logistics 4.0, which types could evolve, and which could be removed. This research reports the results of interviews with experts in the field in international companies and logistic service providers to further understand the types of waste. The results of this paper indicated that all eight types of waste continue to exist in a Logistics 4.0 environment, while a new type of waste and new forms of existing waste are emerging.

Keywords: logistics; supply chain; industry 4.0; lean logistics; value stream mapping; shop floor management; kanban.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLEG.2021.117910

International Journal of Logistics Economics and Globalisation, 2021 Vol.9 No.2, pp.105 - 129

Received: 06 Jan 2021
Accepted: 12 Apr 2021
Published online: 04 Oct 2021 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article