Logistics processes allow for the movement of goods along the supply chain to the customers. Companies are using digital solutions more widely to support their logistics processes. Current studies focus mainly on the intrinsic perspective of the digital maturity of logistics processes. Rarely do previous studies consider the impact of external factors (e.g., market trends, as external drivers at the strategic level) on the digital maturity of logistics processes. In this paper, our aim is to propose a novel generic approach to measuring the level of adoption of digital technologies in logistics processes. We applied the maturity model theory to provide a generic framework for the assessment of different partners in supply chains (suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, e-tailers, logistics service providers) in a homogeneous way. We propose the five levels (Avoiding, Discovering, Adopting, Improving, Excelling) to measure the frequency of the application of the digital technologies with high intelligence in the domain of logistics processes. Furthermore, we investigate the relationship between the selected market trends, which are external drivers at the strategic level, and the digital maturity of logics processes. We conducted the survey among a group of 38 companies to classify their maturity level and then to test which market trends motivate them to digitalize their processes. We applied Bayesian statistics to test the level of the relationship between the digitalization of logistics processes and four market trends, namely, the sustainability, e-commerce, sharing economy, and speed-orientation of customers. The results show that all the trends tested moderately and positively influence the digital maturity of logistics processes.
The subject of digitization is currently very widely described. Implementing digitization is a complex task and there are many variants of its implementation. The authors of this article asked themselves what current trends affect the digitization of processes and what factors resulting from the characteristics of production enterprises affect the development of operational processes. The CAWI method was used in the study. In the analysis of the results, the following methods were used: Partial Least Squares Path Modeling (PLS), Mood’s Median Test, or visualization using a box plot. The analysis of the results allowed us to conclude that the development of operational processes of production enterprises is related to digitization trends, but this relationship is not direct. It is necessary to link digitalization trends with software development trends. The conducted research also indicated that there are company characteristics that determine the degree of use (absorption) and the perception of significance for digitalization trends. These characteristics are the type of a company and the age of a company.
(1) Background: Industry 4.0 and the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in an acceleration of digital transformation, primarily in production systems and logistics. This raises the need to assess where a company is in its digital transformation today and what measures must be taken to improve logistics processes. This article aims to present the results of a study assessing the digital maturity of logistics processes in a group of selected enterprises located in Poland. The research was conducted among companies that are business partners of the Poznan School of Logistics. (2) Methods: The DMM-OP digital process maturity assessment model was used in the study. Digital maturity was assessed on a five-point scale in four areas of company activity: process management, performance measurement, employee support, and technology. The research procedure included four stages. (3) Results: The results indicate that companies in the process management and performance measurement dimensions achieved the highest level of digital maturity. In commercial enterprises, the level of digital transformation is at the lowest level. Large enterprises achieved the best results, but there were also very good results in the group of small enterprises. (4) Conclusions: The results presented in the article can be used by industry and academia. The research was not statistical but can form the basis for benchmarking analyses.
The transition to more eco-friendly forms of transport is one of the main challenges for the Polish economy in the coming decades. Poland, as a member of the European Union, must adapt to the requirements regarding, in particular, reducing carbon dioxide emissions related to new vehicles. The implementation of these changes will require significant financial outlays and structural reconstruction of transport (both public and private), as well as remodeling of the functioning and habits of society. The aim of this study was to identify and analyze the challenges of the green transformation of transport in Poland. The following research methods were used: desk research, focus interview–expert research, and an original approach to the use of SWOT analysis. Based on the conducted analyses, Poland’s strategic position in the context of the “transport greening” process was determined. The strategy is in line with the concept of “reorganization”, calling for a thorough restructuring of the development strategy. This entails coordinated efforts, such as conducting in-depth evaluations of current strategies, securing increased funding, providing support for research, and implementing public education initiatives. In essence, the study emphasizes the necessity for significant endeavors to effectively manage the green transition of transportation in Poland.