A Framework for Sustainable Logistics 4.0: the Polish perspective

Abstract

In recent years, the concept of sustainable logistics 4.0 has gained importance and attracted significant attention among scholars and practitioners. Digitalization technologies allow us to guarantee that products are delivered to the appropriate location, at the right time, and in the right quantity, simultaneously minimizing waste. They facilitate the visualization of logistics operations and connect them by simulation and optimization tools, enhancing decision-making processes. Research that examines the role of sustainable logistics 4.0 shows that implementing such technologies can bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds, and enhance process efficiency and flexibility. Their critical characteristics are autonomy, transparency, coordination, and collaboration amongst the supply chain processes.In this paper, we defined the capability of implementing the activities related to Industry 4.0, digitalization and sustainability in practice. To achieve it, the questionnaire survey was conducted in Poland. It was available for participants on 1KA OneClick Survey (www.1ka.si), an open-source application for online survey services. The questionnaire was based on a five-point Likert-type scale. The survey was conducted in 2023. The analysis covered data from the intended respondents in Poland who were representing the logistics sector. The data were statistically analyzed. Their results showed that optimisation of logistics processes/routes/supply chain to achieve sustainability goals and use of at least one optimisation tool on advanced level and behaviour following environmental ethics were the most often chosen activities in order to direct to sustainable logistics.

Keywords: logistics, digitalization, sustainability

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1006447