Studie Kontraktlogistik (English shop)

Geschäftsbeziehungen in der Kontraktlogistik erfolgreich gestalten - Verstehen – Konzipieren – Implementieren

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Contract logistics has gained considerable importance in the logistics market in recent years. In the course of focusing on core competencies, shipping companies (in short: shippers) are increasingly outsourcing complex logistics tasks to companies in the logistics service industry (in short: logistics service providers). Undoubtedly, the requirements placed by shippers on logistics service providers in terms of professionalism and performance capability increase with the scope and quality of the outsourced logistics services. It can be expected that these requirements will continue to grow in the future. The development of contract logistics business relationships represents a major challenge for shippers and logistics service providers alike.

Against this background, the success-critical significance of a carefully and professionally managed business relationship between shipper and service provider is the thematic starting point of the present study, which pursues the aim of gaining new insights into the course of contract logistics projects on the basis of a total of 11 case studies and of identifying specific success factors for the development of business relationships between shippers and logistics service providers. The most important characteristics of a partnership-based business relationship in contract logistics are described in a research model by means of the three phases of understanding, conceptualisation and implementation, and are examined in a targeted manner with the help of the case studies. The complexity of the respective contract logistics solution being sought is analysed as a key factor influencing the individual phases.

A central result of the study is a total of ten phase-related learning, development and implementation types, which make it possible to describe business relationships in contract logistics systematically with regard to their concrete configuration in the understanding, conceptualisation and implementation phases, and to assess them in a structured manner with respect to the complexity of the contract logistics solution. It becomes apparent that the complexity of the contract logistics solution exerts a decisive influence on the configuration of the individual phases. From this, important indications for the design of business relationships in contract logistics can be derived.

Further new insights result from a cross-case analysis of the character of contract logistics. It becomes apparent that contract logistics is (still) shipper-driven and that the issue of cost reduction is the primary motive for outsourcing logistics services. For the logistics service provider, a shared history and relevant industry experience are conducive to acquisition success. For the success of the business relationship as a whole, good data quality and data accuracy, a sufficient investment of time to create a shared understanding of the problem, and the harmonious interplay of trust and control constitute central prerequisites.

In addition, the significance of remuneration models and performance incentives, exclusivity rights, and the role of information technology were examined as selected thematic focal points. It becomes apparent that the use of remuneration models and performance incentives varies with the logistical complexity of the product range. Exclusivity rights are agreed upon in particular when the contract logistics solution is of competitive-strategic importance for the shipper or when specific investments are made. Information technology integration through intelligent interface programming is an important field of competence for contract logistics, which all logistics service companies active in contract logistics must address.