Transport Logistics

5.2. Changes in the logistics industry

The introduction of new tools, methods and organisational forms is expected to change the

structure of logistics services production.

The logistics market is expected to become more active as a result of expanding business

activities. The development of Internet trade, third-party logistics and new businesses and services

catering to diverse needs will serve to enlarge the market. In particular, logistics and other customer-

focused distribution methods will become increasingly vital in the future.

Logistics offers an opportunity to “optimise” activities across the supply chain; outsourcing plays

a crucial role in this process. Increases in hired transport and logistics suppliers, as well as declines in

internal account activities, reflect the trend toward outsourcing and professional specialisation.

Reductions in the number of “support jobs” (i.e. not related to primary activities) contribute to

increased productivity and price decreases.

The more supply chains are divided among numerous service providers, subcontractors, local or

global organisers, the more co-ordination they require. Specialised services focus on specific assets

and know-how, which need to be inserted into a coherent framework, providing a complete integrated

complex service. Closer links between partners induce stronger rigour in organisation, and diffuse an

industrial type of organisation — including strict “just in time” practices — into a previously more

artisan-like type of industry.

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Therefore, instead of a traditional taxonomy, relying on techniques and industrial specialities, the

alternative approach distinguishes operational logistics activities from mainly organisational ones,

consisting of developing, selling, and controlling the operational logistics activities. The interface

dimension of these activities, highly dependent on information technology, is crucial.