sustainability

Article
A Maturity Model for Logistics 4.0: An Empirical
Analysis and a Roadmap for Future Research
Francesco Facchini 1 , Joanna Oleśków-Szłapka 2 , Luigi Ranieri 3 and Andrea Urbinati 4, *
1 Department of Mechanics, Mathematics and Management, Polytechnic University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy;
[email protected]
2 Department of Management Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznań, Poland;
[email protected]
3 Department of Innovation Engineering, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; [email protected]
4 School of Industrial Engineering, LIUC Università Cattaneo, 21053 Castellanza, Italy
* Correspondence: [email protected]




Received: 16 November 2019; Accepted: 19 December 2019; Published: 20 December 2019


Abstract: The adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies has become particularly important nowadays for
companies in order to optimize their production processes and organizational structures. However,
companies sometimes find it difficult to develop a strategic plan that innovates their current business
model and develops an Industry 4.0 vision. To overcome the growing uncertainty and dissatisfaction
in implementing Industry 4.0, new methods and tools that specifically address dedicated companies’
areas, such as logistics, supply chain management, and manufacturing processes, were developed to
provide guidance and support to align companies’ business strategies and operations. In particular,
this paper develops and presents the application of a maturity model for Logistics 4.0, focusing on
the specific applications of Industry 4.0 in the area of logistics. To do so, extant maturity models,
linked to the context of Industry 4.0 implementation in logistics processes, were examined in the main
scientific research. Afterward, two companies have been investigated through a survey, built around
three fundamental macro-aspects, named (i) the propensity of the company towards Industry 4.0
and Logistics 4.0, (ii) the current use of technologies in the logistics process, and (iii) the investments’
level towards Industry 4.0 technologies for a Logistics 4.0 transition. By doing so, a maturity model
for Logistics 4.0 emerged as the main result of our research, able to identify the level of maturity of
companies in implementing the Industry 4.0 technologies in their logistics processes. Moreover, the
model highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the two investigated companies with respect to
the transition towards Logistics 4.0. On the basis of the obtained results, a roadmap for enhancing the
digitalization of logistics processes, according to the principles of the fourth industrial revolution,
was finally proposed.

Keywords: Logistics 4.0; Industry 4.0; maturity model

1. Introduction
In a context where the wider of the supply chain is increasing, in terms of scope and interconnection,
the margins for improvement that can be capitalized today are not only referring to the optimization of
the efficiency within the business logistics process, but they are strongly addressed to the improvement
of the synergies among the actors involved in the overall logistics process. Consistently with this issue,
in past years, the logistics processes were receiving pressure to increase levels of sustainability, in
environmental terms, which helps to meet the overall sustainability challenges, such as minimizing
greenhouse gas emissions. According to the theoretical definition, the sustainability concept in
a company is related to three important pillars, namely, environmental, social, and economic [1].

Sustainability 2020, 12, 86; doi:10.3390/su12010086 www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability

Sustainability 2020, 12, 86 2 of 18

At the intersection of these three pillars lie organizational activities that have a positive effect on the
environment and result both in long-term benefits and in an increased competitive ability. According
to Strandhagen et al. [1], the sustainability development can be considered a crosscutting capability for
individual companies, since it requires the entire company to change its way of thinking. Accordingly,
sustainability is becoming an important element of business models that radically changes the way
companies operate. Currently, there is an increasing attention toward the management of social
and environmental impacts in business, which makes the integration with environmental, economic,
and social issues an obvious choice to ensure the company’s long-term stability and development.
In addition, at a more operational level, it can be very important for companies to redesign their
logistics processes in order to achieve specific sustainability targets [2]. On this point, Industry 4.0
technologies can effectively help to achieve the desired sustainability targets in the logistics processes,
also contributing to the improvement of the overall performances of companies [3]. Industry 4.0
introduced different technological paradigms such as big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and the
smart factory; each of them has a positive effect on the performances of companies. Therefore, the
integration of Industry 4.0 concepts can increase the volume of business and solve various issues, such
as the plants’ obsolescence. Although the adoption of the new Industry 4.0 technologies can represent
a difficult task for companies, recent studies have demonstrated the scalability of the Industry 4.0
technologies [4], and many experts are claiming that, in this revolution, there is the ability to provide a
fundamental contribution to the sustainability of businesses. The term “Logistics 4.0” is focused on
the specific applications of Industry 4.0 in the area of logistics. Consistently with existing scientific
definitions, Logistics 4.0 represents the logistical system that enables the sustainable satisfaction of
individualized customer demands without increasing costs [5]. Logistics 4.0 changes the existing
solutions already adopted in traditional logistics, and introduces new enabling technologies, such as
the cyber–physical systems (CPSs), which allow us to realize the networking and automation of storage
system transportation, and decentralized software control [2,3,5,6]. In other cases, the support of the
Internet of Things (IoT) technology allows linking physical objects to enable real-time data visualization
in order to automate the logistics flows [7–9] under either an uncertain or a given demand [10], and
when considering different kind of materials [11]. Again, the implementation of big data [12] in logistics
and supply chain operations [13] contributes to “improving the visibility, flexibility, and integration of
global supply chains and logistics processes, effectively managing demand volatility, and handling
cost fluctuations” [14]. The adoption of green solutions allows for improving the environmental
performances and can open up new market segments that were previously unexplored. Indeed,
according to Garcia-Muiña et al. [15], there is a new share of the market characterized by consumers
that require detailed knowledge and information about the environmental costs of what they consume
and use. Accordingly, they can enable the product’s success, one that includes both the attributes of
quality and design, as well as of sustainability. On this direction, the attention to the consumers, to the
distance travelled, and to the means of transport adopted, is integrated with the assessments of flows
of energy, resources, and materials needed to manufacture, transport, and use products. The objective
is to reduce their impact on the external environment, making them sustainable also from an economic,
social point of view. These drivers form a dynamic and challenging environment for companies, and
especially in manufacturing industries, they can be addressed with Industry 4.0.
If, on the one hand, Logistics 4.0 represents an important innovation, since it is related to a range
of problems and issues that affect the sustainability performance of companies, on the other hand,
many companies are uncertain, both about the financial effort required for implementing the related
technologies, and about the corresponding impact on their business strategies [16]. Accordingly,
national plans were designed and prepared by world governments with the aim to guide and facilitate
the transition of companies towards Industry 4.0 [17]. The next steps consist of assessing whether
companies are ready to enter the Industry 4.0 or not, depending on their ability to grasp the overall
idea of Industry 4.0 and to change their business model accordingly.
Sustainability 2020, 12, 86 3 of 18

However, although companies can relate their as-is positioning to their current business strategy,
they sometimes find it difficult to identify a strategic plan that innovates their current business model
and develops an Industry 4.0 vision [18]. In particular, companies sometimes fail to recognize concrete
fields of action, programs, and projects for an Industry 4.0 implementation. In most cases based
on the pursuit of three different goals, a paradigmatic one, a technological one, and one related to
sustainability due to the integration of humans and the industrial systems [2]. To overcome the
growing uncertainty and dissatisfaction of companies in implementing Industry 4.0, new methods and
tools were developed to provide guidance and support to align companies’ business strategies and
operations [19]. This notwithstanding, much more theoretical and empirical effort is needed to develop
and propose methods and tools that specifically address dedicated companies’ areas for Industry 4.0
implementation, such as logistics, supply chain management, manufacturing processes, etc. [20–22].
Starting from this premise, the paper focuses its attention on the companies’ area of logistics
with the main objective to propose a model able to guide companies to assess their maturity level
of Industry 4.0 implementation in logistics processes. In particular, this paper seeks to discuss the
opportunities of Industry 4.0 in the context of logistics, since relevant implications are expected in this
field [23]. For instance, scholars argue that “logistics can be seen as a network where all processes
can communicate with each other, as well as with humans for enhancing their analytical potentialities
throughout the supply chain” [24]. Accordingly, logistics processes represent a fertile ground to
experiment Industry 4.0, given also the fact that proper paths for implementing Industry 4.0 solutions
in logistics processes are still unexplored [25,26]. By doing so, the paper proposes a maturity model for
Logistics 4.0, which is still missing in the extant literature. By assessing their maturity level of Industry
4.0 implementation in logistics processes, companies will be in a better position to plan the next steps
towards the fourth industrial revolution.
The paper is structured as follows. Section 2 summarizes the background of extant research in
the intersection between Industry 4.0 and Logistics 4.0 and proposes, from a theoretical point of view,
a maturity model for Logistics 4.0. Section 3 highlights the rationale of the methodology used to
address the empirical analysis, whereas Section 4 tests the model on two manufacturing companies
engaged in a digital transformation of their logistics processes. Finally, Section 5 points out some
concluding remarks and a roadmap for future research.

2. Theoretical Background

2.1. Defining a Maturity Model

The term “maturity” refers to a “state of being complete, perfect, or ready” [27]. A maturity
model is a tool that is used to measure, compare, describe, or determine a path or roadmap [28]. A
maturity model is a structured set of elements that describes an evolutionary path of improvement
from immature processes to mature, effective, and qualitatively better processes. Maturity can be
captured qualitatively or quantitatively in a discrete or continuous manner [29]. Thus, maturity models
are adopted to assess the state of a company, or a production organization, in accordance with one
of the states indicated by such models in order to obtain useful information regarding the point of
departure for the improvement of extant organizations’ processes. They can be also used to compare
different organizations [30,31].
From a historical perspective, Stewhart (1924) began working on process improvement with
his principles of statistical quality control. These principles were then refined by others, including
Humphrey (1978), who extended them and developed software by elaborating on these principles.
Humphrey brought this maturity framework to the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) in 1986,
added the concept of maturity levels, and developed the foundation for its current use throughout
the software industry. Then, Humphrey provided a description of the basic principles on which
many of the so-named capability maturity models (CMMs) are based. These principles have been
adopted by the SEI into a maturity framework that establishes project management and engineering
Sustainability 2020, 12, 86 4 of 18

foundation for quantitative control of the software process, which is the basis for continuous process
improvement [32].
The CMMs have spread enormously and proved their validity in various application fields,
not exclusively related to the software industry, but also risk management, resource management,
project management, etc. This led to the creation of the capability maturity model integration (CMMI),
which was born as a general model for several fields of application. The CMMI is a process based on
behavioral models that support the organizations to streamline process improvement and encourage
efficient behaviors to decrease risks in product and service development [33]. In many cases, the CMMI
can be considered like a ‘constellation’ of best practices that can be used by organizations, which also
belong to different areas of activity. CMMI provides two different types of methodological approaches,
classified as ‘continuous’ and ‘at levels’.
The ‘continuous’ CMMI allows for identifying a process area of a company and to improve one or
more part of the same process. This type of approach adopts the capability levels to characterize the
improvement related to a single process area. The continuous approach provides maximum flexibility,
since it leads to improving the performance of a single process or on multiple areas asymptotically
aligned with the business objectives pursued. The ‘at levels’ CMMI adopts predefined packets of
multiple process areas to define an improvement path. Each improvement path is characterized by
maturity levels, each level provides a set of well-defined process areas. The approach, therefore, offers
a structured and systematic path to reach a certain level of maturity. The achievement of a level ensures
the necessary maturity for moving to the next level. The maturity levels are as follows:

• Level 1—Initial:
Processes are characterized by a lack of rules and in some cases, they are developed in a
"chaotic" way. Only a few processes are well defined, and the success of the projects depends on
individual initiative.
• Level 2—Managed:
The main processes are generally well defined, to control their cost, time, and functions. Process
results are reproducible.
• Level 3—Defined:
The software process, both in terms of organizational and production, is documented and
standardized. All software development and maintenance projects are managed by company
procedures and standards.
• Level 4—Quantitatively Managed:
Detailed measures are collected and analyzed for each software process. Both the processes and
products are studied and controlled.
• Level 5—Optimizing:
The results of the measurements and the use of innovative ideas and technologies allow for the
continuous improvement of processes.

2.2. Towards Maturity Levels for Logistics 4.0 Based on Industry 4.0 Maturity Levels
The North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) model defines five Industry 4.0 maturity levels that represent
the transition from largely analog to networked, automated production. The highest maturity level
represents an automatic exchange with businesses throughout the value chain [34].
The first level is the unconnected analog production. In the second level, digital data processing
is introduced, which in the third level turns into automatic data collection in most of the dedicated
programs. The fourth level defines a high level of networking of individual processes through a
software solution that performs automated data analysis and enables the easy exchange of data from
Sustainability 2020, 12, 86 5 of 18

other programs. The fifth level describes completely networked production. The software used can
identify real relationships in production independently [34].
Starting from this reference model, the authors identified individual logistics systems. In other
words, logistics can be considered as a system that can be further divided into individual subsystems
that are interdependent in certain scopes but interconnected. These individual subsystems are:

• Purchase logistics.
• Production logistics.
• Distribution logistics.
• After-sales logistics.

Summary tables (Tables 1–4) are therefore provided since different maturity levels have been
defined for each subsystem.

Table 1. Maturity levels in Purchase logistics.

Maturity Levels Characteristics

No Data Exchange with The Supplier Orders are delivered by telephone or in-person manually in paper form.
Orders are released by telephone or in-person and digitally recorded (further information
Exchange of Specific Data
such as the time of special promotions, delivery points, etc.).
The information system has a complete picture of the existing orders and new orders being
Exchange of Additional Data automatically entered in real-time (additional data such as scheduled orders, time of
special promotions, delivery points, forecasting data).
IT systems’ information is automatically exchanged with direct partners in the value chain
and the access to relevant external company information is enabled. The links and
Automatic Data Exchange
interactions of different types and quantities of orders are known and taken into account
when ordering.
On the basis of comprehensive forecasts, the expected quantities of orders are linked to
Automatic Exchange in Supply Chain
inventory, preparatory work, etc.

Table 2. Maturity levels in Production logistics.

Maturity Levels Characteristics

Paper Transfer of Data Paper form.
Transfer of Paper Data in Digital Form Data documented, feedback in paper form later converted into a digital format.
Feedback from production and purchasing logistics transmitted via a terminal in the ERP
ERP System
system, data used to measure key indicators in real-time.
Process data and quality data analyzed in real-time and used to plan resource use and
Digital Data Completeness
maintenance and to detect errors.
Automatic Transfer of Data Data used to proactively prevent interference by adjusting the use of resources.

Table 3. Maturity levels in Distribution logistics.

Maturity Levels Characteristics

No Data Exchange by Customer Order data not exchanged during the order processing.
Special order data such as time of special promotions, points of sale, forecast data, can be
Exchange of Specific Data
manually transmitted after consultation.
Exchange of Additional Data Order data exchanged automatically.
Order data exchanged automatically with direct partners in the value chain and access to
Automatic Data Exchange
relevant external company information.
Order data exchanged automatically with companies throughout the value chain and
Automatic Exchange in Supply Chain
access to relevant external company information.

Table 4. Maturity levels in After-sales logistics.

Maturity Levels Characteristics

No Data Exchange Between Subsystems No specific system functions.
It is possible to access information from other areas through the management system and
Data Exchange Through ERP
to control the internal material exchange.
It is possible to access all relevant information/data from other areas in real-time through
Real-Time Data
the management system and control the internal exchange of materials.
Automatic Data Ensure Automatic provision of prepared context data from other departments.
The internal exchange of information takes place between all domains, data do not need to
Automatic Data Exchange
be reviewed.
Sustainability 2020, 12, 86 6 of 18

Dividing logistics into subsystems was fundamental for us in order to figure out the several
articulations of the maturity levels of the logistics processes and to allow building a solid base on
which starting to design an effective maturity model for Logistics 4.0.

2.3. A Maturity Model for Logistics 4.0

The proposed model was designed to offer measures that can be translated into a set of guidelines
or recommended solutions towards Logistics 4.0. We started from the logistics definition given by the
Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), which defines logistics as “ . . . that part
of Supply Chain Management that plans, implements, and controls the efficient, effective forward and
reverse flow and storage of goods, services and related information between the point of origin and the
point of consumption in order to meet customers’ requirements”. This definition underlines the need
– in a logistics process – of managing the whole set of material and information flows. Accordingly,
we identified three main dimensions according to which testing the maturity level of a company for
Logistics 4.0. Each dimension is characterized by dedicated evaluation areas (as shown in Table 5).

Table 5. Logistics 4.0 dimensions and areas of evaluation [35].

Logistics 4.0 Dimensions Areas of Evaluation

Management Investments, innovations management, integration of value chains.
Degree of automation and robotization in warehouse and transportation, Internet of things,
Flow of material
3D printing, 3D scanning, advanced materials, augmented reality, smart products.
Data-driven services, Big data (data capturing and usage), RFID, RTLS (real-time locating
Flow of information
systems), IT systems (ERP, WMS, cloud systems).

The above three dimensions can be used to assess the maturity and awareness of Industry 4.0
solutions for a Logistics 4.0 transition.
Therefore, building on the literature review about the concept of ‘maturity levels’ of Sections 2.1
and 2.2, we advanced five maturity levels for evaluating the maturity of companies in each of the
three Logistics 4.0 dimensions. The maturity levels are five: the first level identifies the absence of any
Logistics 4.0 capability and the fifth level identifies the full implementation and integration of Logistics
4.0 solutions. The five maturity levels are:

• Ignoring
• Defining
• Adopting
• Managing
• Integrated

Figure 1 shows the five levels of maturity combined with the three Logistics 4.0 dimensions
already shown in Table 5.
• Adopting
• Managing
• Integrated
Figure 1 shows the five levels of maturity combined with the three Logistics 4.0 dimensions
Sustainability
already 2020, 12,
shown in 86
Table 5. 7 of 18

Figure 1. A maturity model for Logistics 4.0 [36].

Figure 1. A maturity model for Logistics 4.0 [36].
3. Materials and Methods
3. Materials and Methods
3.1. Sampled Firms
3.1. Sampled Firms
Two leading companies operating in the European and international markets, located in the
Wielkopolska
Two leadingregion (in Poland),
companies and engaged
operating in the in a digital transformation
European and international in logistics,
markets, are considered.
located in the
The identification
Wielkopolska of the
region companies
(in Poland), andhas followed
engaged in atheoretical and convenience
digital transformation sampling
in logistics, are criteria [37],
considered.
Hence,
The these casesofhave
identification been selected
the companies hasbecause
followed they have implemented
theoretical Industry
and convenience 4.0 technologies
sampling to
criteria [37],
support their logistics processes. With this regard, these investigated companies
Hence, these cases have been selected because they have implemented Industry 4.0 technologies tooffered a useful
empirical base to achieve the main objective of proposing a model able to guide companies to assess
their maturity level of Industry 4.0 implementation in logistics processes.
The first company is a leader in the Logistics, Transport, and Storage sector, with a turnover of
more than €50 million and with more than 250 employees. The headquarter is located in Poznań.
In addition, the company has around 10 branches throughout Poland and provides over 80,000 active
facilities, operating in the national and international markets. For over 30 years, the company deals
with improving its customers’ storage, goods transportation area, and production space through the
optimal selection of modern warehouse and warehouse equipment. Storage systems, forklifts, metal
furniture, hoisting equipment, loading, and packaging systems are just a small part of the wide range
of its offer.
The second analyzed company is an automotive production company operating in European and
international markets for over 70 years. The production capacity of the factory reaches approximately
100,000 cars per year. The company has four production plants: two plants in Poznań/Swarz˛edz, one
plant in Wrzesnia, and the components plant (foundry) situated in Poznań. The company has also
invested in technologically advanced facilities including body shop, paint shop, assembly hall, and
suppliers’ park, as well as a special vehicle body plant and a pilot manufacturing plant. The company
is also bringing two major areas into the cloud: first, the networked vehicle and digital services and,
now, its production and logistics. The purpose of this company is to continue operating in the field of
Industry 4.0.

3.2. Data Collection

The first phase of this analysis consisted of drafting a questionnaire in English titled “Logistics
4.0”. The survey, composed of 15 questions, was based on pen-and-paper personal interviews (PAPI)
Sustainability 2020, 12, 86 8 of 18

to collect general information, such as the name of the company, the company’s turnover, the industrial
sector, and the average number of employees. The questions were mainly related to the following
three fundamental macro-aspects:
i. The propensity of the company towards Industry 4.0 and Logistics 4.0, i.e., knowledge,
perception, and dynamic development of the company concerning the general issues addressed,
such as Industry 4.0 and Logistics 4.0.
ii. The current use of technologies in the logistics process, i.e., resource management system and
smart infrastructures and devices in use throughout the entire logistics process.
iii. The investments’ level towards Industry 4.0 technologies for a Logistics 4.0 transition, i.e.,
knowledge, competitive position, and investments undertaken by the company into the Industry
4.0 technologies for a Logistics 4.0 transition, such as IoT, big data, Artificial Intelligence, etc.,
assessing obstacles and advantages.
The results collected by the two surveys allowed the achievement of the predesigned objective,
namely the evaluation of the level of maturity of the analyzed companies for Logistics 4.0.

3.3. Testing the Maturity Model

The methodology and the evaluation process adequately considered are described below. First,
we took into account the maturity levels defined in Figure 1. The first level (i.e., “ignoring”) describes
a total lack of competencies, knowledge, and adoption of the elements generally adopted by Industry
4.0 and Logistics 4.0, on the contrary, the fifth level (i.e., “integrated”) indicates a full integration and
complete digitization of the analyzed company. At this point, in order to evaluate the digital readiness
of the companies, it was necessary to define the analytical dimensions.
Starting from the three Logistics 4.0 dimensions pointed out in Table 5, the questions included
in the survey were coherently grouped within two macro-dimensions: (a) management and (b) flow
of material and information. Then, for each macro-dimension, the other seven sub-dimensions were
identified. Again, for each sub-dimension one or more items/questions were considered (Table 6).

Table 6. Macro-dimensions, sub-dimensions, and items/questions of the maturity model.

Macro-Dimensions Sub-Dimensions Items/Questions

Adoption Perception
Knowledge Development Dynamics
Management Competitive Position
Impacts
Strategy and Leadership (S&L)
Obstacles
Employees Skills
IT Systems Adoption
Flow of material and Smart Products Devices
information Storage Facilities
Warehouse Equipment
Smart Warehouses
Impacts
Obstacles
Knowledge
Technology Relevance
Technologies
Adopting Position
Investments

On the basis of existing research in the intersection between Logistics 4.0 and Industry 4.0,
we assumed that not all items/questions have the same impact in order to evaluate the “maturity” of a
company in terms of Logistics 4.0. Consistently with this consideration, the practical importance of
each maturity item was rated on a Likert-scale reaching from “not important” (rating = 1) to “very
important” (rating = 4). The technique adopted for the model implementation is based on the analytic
hierarchy process (AHP). In Table 7, are shown the weights assigned to each item/question.
Sustainability 2020, 12, 86 9 of 18

Table 7. Maturity items weights.

Sub-dimensions Items/questions Weight

Adoption Perception 3
Knowledge Development Dynamics 3.3
Competitive Position 3.2
Impacts 3.8
Strategy and Leadership (S&L)
Obstacles 3.5
Employees Skills 3.4
IT Systems Adoption 3.9
Smart Products Devices 3.7
Storage Facilities 3.9
Smart Warehouses
Warehouse Equipment 3.8
Knowledge 3.3
Technology Relevance 3.8
Adopting Position 3.9
Technologies
Investments 4
Impacts 3.8
Obstacles 3.5

Again, four different answers in accordance to Likert-scale (including the values from 1 to 4) were
Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 20
identified for each question. For example, for the question shown in Figure 2, the following values
have been
values assigned:
have (a) not inhibiting
been assigned: = 4; (b)
a) not inhibiting not
= 4; b)very inhibiting
not very = 3;=(c)
inhibiting enough
3; c) inhibiting==2;2;(d)
inhibiting
enough
very inhibiting = 1.
d) very inhibiting = 1.

Figure2.2. Example
Figure questionof
Example of a question ofthe
thequestionnaire.
questionnaire.

The
Thelast
laststep
stepofofthe
theevaluation
evaluationconsisted the overall
consisted of the overallestimation
estimationofofthe
theweighted
weighted average
average of all
of all
maturity
maturityitems/questions
items/questionsininaccordance
accordancewith
with Equation (1):
Equation (1):
∑ 𝑀 P ∗ n𝑔
𝑀 1 MDIi ∗ g(1)
DIi
M∑D =𝑔 i=P n (1)
i=1 gDIi
where: M = maturity, D = dimension, I = item, g = weighting factor, n = number of maturity item.
where: M = maturity, D = dimension, I = item, g = weighting factor, n = number of maturity item.
The maturity level (MD) of each dimension results from calculating the weighted average of all
The maturity level (MD ) of each dimension results from calculating the weighted average of all
maturity items (MDIi) within its related dimension [19]. Therefore, a numerical interval was assigned
maturity items (M level,
to each maturity DIi
) within its related dimension [19]. Therefore, a numerical interval was assigned
in accordance to the following criteria:
to each maturity level, in accordance to the following criteria:
1. Ignoring  1
Defining→1(1;2]
1. 2. Ignoring
2. 3. Defining
Adopting→ (2;3]
(1;2]
3. 4. Adopting
Managing →(2;3]
(3;4]
5. Integrated  4
Based on the MD value obtained for each dimension it is possible to develop a maturity report,
which can be easily shown by a radar chart.

4. Findings
Sustainability 2020, 12, 86 10 of 18

4. Managing → (3;4]
5. Integrated → 4

Based on the MD value obtained for each dimension it is possible to develop a maturity report,
which can be easily shown by a radar chart.

4. Findings

4.1. Analysis of the 1st Company

The macro-dimension, namely “Management”, which is characterized by three other
sub-dimensions: (i) Knowledge, (ii) Strategy and Leadership (S&L), and (iii) Employees, is considered.
For each sub-dimension the questions and the corresponding scores are shown (Tables 8–10).

Table 8. Scores obtained in the sub-dimension “Knowledge”.

Question (Q)/Answer (A) Answer Value Item Weight

Q. What is the perception of the adoption of the
4 Adoption Perception 3
Logistics 4.0 paradigm?
Q. How would you define the position of the
company compared to the adoption of the Logistics 4 Development Dynamics 3.3
4.0 paradigm?
Q. How would you define the position of the
company about the adoption of the Logistics 4.0 4 Competitive Position 3.2
paradigm in comparison to the competitors?
Average 4
Weighted Average 4

Table 9. Scores obtained in the sub-dimension “Strategy and Leadership (S&L)”.

Question (Q)/Answer (A) Answer Value Item Weight

Q. How do you think the Logistics 4.0 paradigm impacts/can impact the
Impacts 3.8
following performance and objectives
A. Improve warehouse productivity 4
A. Reduce internal warehouse processes costs 4
A. Reduce supply costs 4
A. Reduce transport distribution costs 4
A. Reduce picking activities errors 4
A. Reduce stock level 4
A. Reduce lead time 4
A. Improve punctuality (to the customer) 4
A. Improve delivery accuracy 4
A. Reduce stockout 4
A. Improve reliability of deliveries 4
A. Improve accuracy in forecasting demand 4
A. Improve reactivity to the demand changes 4
A. Improve working conditions of the operators 4
Average 4
Q. Indicate what do you think are the most inhibiting obstacles for the
Obstacles 3.5
application of the Logistics 4.0 paradigm in your company
Required investment for the purchase of enabling technologies 1
Required investment to develop the appropriate skills 1
Long payback period 2
Limitations of endogenous enabling infrastructures (lack of IT systems,
2
...) and/or external (limited internet connection bandwidth, ...)
Absence and/or difficulty in finding suitable technology providers 3
Reduced corporate awareness of the 4.0 paradigm and difficulty in
3
estimating the benefits in the logistics field
Average 2
Weighted Average 3

Table 10. Scores obtained in the sub-dimension “Employees”.

Question (Q)/Answer (A) Answer Value Item Weight

Initiatives have been developed (or are in progress) to reconfigure the
3 Skills 3.4
workers’ skills in the Logistics 4.0 paradigm
Average 3
Weighted Average 3
Sustainability 2020, 12, 86 11 of 18

Once the weighted average has been calculated for each sub-dimension, it can assign each of
them to a specific level of maturity, in accordance with the maturity levels defined in Figure 1 (i.e.,
Ignoring, Defining, Adopting, Managing, and Integrated). Therefore, it follows that the maximum
level of maturity belongs to “Knowledge” with a score of 4 and falls within the “Integrated” level,
followed by “Strategy and Leadership (S&L)” and “Employees” with a score of 3, which corresponds
to the level2019,
Sustainability “Adopting”. Figure
11, x FOR PEER 3 depicts the results obtained by a radar chart.
REVIEW 12 of 20

Figure
Figure 3. Radar chart
3. Radar chart visualizing
visualizing Logistics
Logistics 4.0
4.0 maturity
maturity in
in “Management”
“Management” macro-dimension.
macro-dimension.

The second macro-dimension “Flow of material and information” is divided into four
The second macro-dimension “Flow of material and information” is divided into four sub-
sub-dimensions, namely (i) “IT Systems”, (ii) “Smart Products”, (iii) “Smart Warehouses”, and
dimensions, namely (i) “IT Systems”, (ii) “Smart Products”, (iii) “Smart Warehouses”, and (iv)
(iv) “Technologies”. The results of the survey conducted are shown below (Tables 11–14).
“Technologies”. The results of the survey conducted are shown below (Tables 11–14).
The graphical representation of the results obtained also of the second dimension “Flow of material
and information” is shown Tablein
11.Figure
Scores4.
obtained in the sub-dimension “IT Systems”.
It is possible observe that a maximum level of maturity is reached and belongs to the “IT Systems”
sub-dimension with Question
a score of(Q)
4 and therefore Answer
/ Answer (A) falls within the “Integrated” level, followed
Item byWeight
“Smart
Value
Products”, “Smart Warehouses”, and “Technologies” with a score of 3, 2.9, and 2.3 respectively and all
Q. Indicate which information supports from those listed are present
three coincide with the “Adopting” level. Once the analysis has been completed, the results achieved
Adoption 3.9
in the company
have been summarized in Table 15
A. WMS
and represented by radar chart, showed
4
in Figure 5. As explained
above, the company under investigation
A. CRM is a leading company in its sector
4 and is already equipped
with a “smart” organization model,Averagetherefore the results obtained were rather expected. 4
Weighted Average 4
Table 11. Scores obtained in the sub-dimension “IT Systems”.
Table (Q)/Answer
Question 12. Scores(A)
obtained in the sub-dimension “Smart Products”.
Answer Value Item Weight
Q. Indicate which information supports from those listed are present in
Question (Q) / Answer (A)
the company
Answer Adoption
Value Item 3.9 Weight
Q. Indicate which devices are used in the company’s
A. WMS facilities 4 Devices 3.7
A. CRM 4
A.Average
Barcode readers 3 4
Weighted A.Average
RFID tags 4 4

A. Tablets 4
A. Wearable devices (e.g., 12. Scores
Tablesmart glasses,obtained in the sub-dimension
voice command “Smart Products”.
devices, etc.) 1
Average
Question (Q)/Answer (A) Answer Value Item Weight
3
Q. Indicate which devicesWeighted Average
are used in the company’s facilities Devices 3.7 3
A. Barcode readers 3
A. RFID tags 4
Table A.
13.Tablets
Scores obtained in the sub-dimension 4“Smart Warehouses”.
A. Wearable devices (e.g., smart glasses, voice command devices, etc.) 1
Average Answer 3
Question
Weighted (Q) / Answer (A)
Average Item 3 Weight
Value
Q. Indicate the type of storage facilities do you provide to your Storage
3.9
clients facilities
A. Vertical automatic warehouses 4
A. Horizontal automatic warehouses 4
A. Warehouse with shuttle system 4
Automated storage with stacker cranes (STC) 4
Average 4
Sustainability 2020, 12, 86 12 of 18

Table 13. Scores obtained in the sub-dimension “Smart Warehouses”.

Question (Q)/Answer (A) Answer Value Item Weight

Storage
Q. Indicate the type of storage facilities do you provide to your clients 3.9
facilities
A. Vertical automatic warehouses 4
A. Horizontal automatic warehouses 4
A. Warehouse with shuttle system 4
Automated storage with stacker cranes (STC) 4
Average 4
Q. Indicate which handling equipment are used in the company’s Warehouse
3.8
facilities Equipment
A. Automatic conveyors 1
A. Hand pallet trucks/electric pallet trucks 2
A. Order pickers 2
A. Retractable forklift trucks 3
A. Electric front forklift trucks 3
A. Diesel/LPG front forklift trucks 3
A. AGVs 1
A. Stacker cranes (STC) 1
Average 2
Q. Indicate with a number from 1 to 4 in what measure the following
performance/business objectives are or could be influenced by the Impacts 3.8
technology application
Improve warehouse productivity 2.8
A. Reduce internal warehouse processes costs 2.8
A. Reduce supply costs 2.7
A. Reduce transport distribution costs 2.3
A. Reduce picking activities errors 3
A. Reduce the stock level 2.8
A. Reduce lead time 3.7
A. Improve punctuality (to the customer) 3.8
A. Improve delivery accuracy 2.9
A. Reduce stockout 2.9
A. Improve reliability of deliveries 2.2
A. Improve accuracy in forecasting demand 3
A. Improve reactivity to the demand changes 3
A. Improve working conditions of the operators 3.1
Average 2.9
Q. Indicate with a number from 1 to 4 what are/could be the inhibiting
Obstacles 3.5
factors for the diffusion and use of the technology
A. Required investment for the purchase of enabling technologies 1.6
A. Required investment to develop the appropriate skills 2.1
A. Long payback period 2.2
A. Limitations of endogenous enabling infrastructures (lack of IT
2.3
systems. ...) and/or external (limited internet connection bandwidth. ...)
A. Absence and/or difficulty in finding suitable technology providers 2.4
A. Reduced corporate awareness of the 4.0 paradigm and difficulty in
3
estimating the benefits in the logistics field
Average 2.3
Weighted Average 2.8

Table 14. Scores obtained in the sub-dimension “Technologies”.

Question (Q)/Answer (A) Answer Value Item Weight

Q. Indicate which statement best describes your knowledge of the
2.7 Knowledge 3.3
technology
Technology
Q. Do you think the technology is relevant for your company? 2.8 3.8
Relevance
Q. At what stage would you place the company in the process of Adopting
2.1 3.9
adopting the technology? Position
Q. Indicate if you are planning any investments for the implementation
1.8 Investments 4
and use of the technology
Average 2.3
Weighted Average 2.3

Table 15. Weighted average and Maturity Level in all seven dimensions.

Dimensions Weighted Average Maturity Level

Knowledge 4 Integrated
Strategy and Leadership (S&L) 3 Adopting
Employees 3 Adopting
IT Systems 4 Integrated
Smart Products 3 Adopting
Smart Warehouses 2.9 Adopting
Technologies 2.3 Adopting
by “Smart Products”, “Smart Warehouses”, and “Technologies” with a score of 3, 2.9, and 2.3
respectively and all three coincide with the “Adopting” level. Once the analysis has been completed,
the results achieved have been summarized in Table 15 and represented by radar chart, showed in
Figure 5. As explained above, the company under investigation is a leading company in its sector and
is already equipped
Sustainability 2020, 12, 86 with a “smart” organization model, therefore the results obtained were 13
rather
of 18
expected.

Figure 4. Radar chart visualizing Logistics 4.0 maturity in “Flow of material and information” macro-
dimension.

Table 15. Weighted average and Maturity Level in all seven dimensions.

Dimensions Weighted Average Maturity Level

Knowledge 4 Integrated
Strategy and Leadership (S&L) 3 Adopting
Employees 3 Adopting
IT Systems 4 Integrated
Smart Products 3 Adopting
Smart Warehouses 2.9 Adopting

Figure 4.4.RadarRadar Technologies

chart visualizing Logistics 2.3maturity in “Flow Adopting
Figure chart visualizing Logistics 4.0 maturity4.0
in “Flow of material
of material and information” and
macro-
information”
dimension. macro-dimension.

Table 15. Weighted average and Maturity Level in all seven dimensions.

Dimensions Weighted Average Maturity Level

Knowledge 4 Integrated
Strategy and Leadership (S&L) 3 Adopting
Employees 3 Adopting
IT Systems 4 Integrated
Smart Products 3 Adopting
Smart Warehouses 2.9 Adopting
Technologies 2.3 Adopting

Figure 5. Radar chart visualizing Logistics 4.0 maturity in all the seven dimensions.

As declared by the same company, technical and scenario interventions are already in progress
or are about to be carried out in order to implement new technologies and facilitate the achievement
of objectives such as improvement in terms of productivity and growth in the rate of innovation.
Where the company excels are the dimensions “Knowledge” and “IT Systems”, this means that it has a
clear and precise idea and knowledge of what is happening and what the change entails in terms of
company downsizing.
The maturity model showed that the infrastructure currently present in the company allowed the
ability to capture in real-time, automatically, and with extreme precision, the movements of all the
objects present in the plant, to provide localization information to the control, monitoring, and digital
documentation systems. The areas in which integration is least felt within the company are evaluated
with the “Adopting” level, in these cases, the innovation process has certainly begun, and it proceeds
quickly to the next step. The enabling technologies of Industry 4.0 for a Logistics 4.0 transition are
seen by the company mostly as an obstacle in terms of the investments necessary for their adoption,
with an average score of 3.4 out of 4, but their relevance and potentials are perfectly understood.
In particular, the company is well aware of being able to improve the level of service offered to the
customer, succeeding in reducing the lead time of the entire process (average of 3.7 out of 4) and
increasing the punctuality of deliveries (average of 3.8 out of 4). Picking errors are reduced, which
in the logistic sphere implies multiplication of corrective operations with the related costs, can cause
inventory inconsistencies and stock breaks with negative consequences upstream and downstream
Sustainability 2020, 12, 86 14 of 18

of the process. To remedy this, vertical automatic warehouses or horizontal automatic warehouses
are required.
Concerning technologies like collaborative robots, automated guided vehicles (AGV) as well as
big data, the maturity model shows that these technologies are already implemented in the reference
company’s context. Under this perspective, there is an unavoidable need to rethink and adapt the
protection and skills of workers concerning these new technologies and work environments.

4.2. Analysis of the 2nd Company

The maturity model, already adopted to analyze the first company, is replicated for the second
company evaluation. Table 16 shows the corresponding scores and weighted averages of the
“Management” dimension, while Table 17 shows the scores for the second dimension “Flow of
material and information”.

Table 16. Scores obtained in “Management” macro-dimension.

Sub-Dimension Question (Q) Average Item Weight Weighted Average
Q. What is the perception of the adoption of the Logistics 4.0 Adoption
4 3
paradigm? Perception
Knowledge 4
Q. How would you define the position of the company Development
4 3.3
compared to the adoption of the Logistics 4.0 paradigm? Dynamics
Q. How would you define the position of the company about
Competitive
the adoption of the Logistics 4.0 paradigm in comparison to 4 3.2
Position
the competitors?
Strategy and
Q. How do you think the Logistics 4.0 paradigm impacts/can
Leadership 4 Impacts 3.8
impact the following performance and objectives 3.7
(S&L)
Q. Indicate what do you think are the most inhibiting
obstacles for the application of the Logistics 4.0 paradigm in 3.3 Obstacles 3.5
your company
23. Initiatives have been developed (or are in progress) to
Employees 3 Skills 3.4 3
reconfigure the workers’ skills in the Logistics 4.0 paradigm

Table 17. Scores obtained in “Flow of material and information” macro-dimension.

Sub-Dimension Question (Q) Average Item Weight Weighted Average
Q. Indicate which information supports from those listed are
IT Systems 4 Adoption 3.9 4
present in the company
Smart Products Q. Indicate which devices are used in the company’s facilities 3.3 Devices 3.7 3.3
Q. Indicate the type of storage facilities do you provide to Storage
4 3.9
your clients Facilities
Smart
Q. Indicate which handling equipment is used in the Warehouse 3.3
Warehouses 3.4 3.8
company’s facilities Equipment
Q. Indicate with a number from 1 to 4 in what measure the
following performance/business objectives are or could be 3.1 Impacts 3.8
influenced by the technology application
Q. Indicate with a number from 1 to 4 what are/could be the
2.8 Obstacles 3.5
inhibiting factors for the diffusion and use of the technology
Q. Indicate which statement best describes your knowledge of
3.5 Knowledge 3.3
the technology
Technologies Technology 3.1
Q. Do you think the technology is relevant for your company? 3.9 3.8
Relevance
Q. At what stage would you place the company in the process Adopting
2.8 3.9
of adopting the technology? Position
Q. Indicate if you are planning any investments for the
2.4 Investments 4
implementation and use of the technology

In this case, the maximum level of maturity belongs to “Knowledge” and “IT Systems” with a score
for both of 4 and they fall within the “Integrated” level, followed by “Strategy and Leadership (S&L)”
with a score of 3.7, “Smart Products” and “Smart Warehouses” have the same score 3.3, “Technologies”
with a score of 3.1 out of 4 and all fall within the “Managing” level. Only “Employees” with a score of
3 corresponds to the level “Adopting”. Results have been summarized in Table 18 and represented by
the radar chart in Figure 6.
“Technologies” with a score of 3.1 out of 4 and all fall within the “Managing” level. Only
“Employees” with a score of 3 corresponds to the level “Adopting”. Results have been summarized
in Table 18 and represented by the radar chart in Figure 6.

Table 18. Weighted average and Maturity Level in all seven dimensions.
Sustainability 2020, 12, 86 15 of 18

Dimensions Weighted Average Maturity Level

Knowledge
Table 18. Weighted average and Maturity Level4 in all seven dimensions.Integrated
Strategy and Leadership (S&L) 3.7 Managing
Dimensions
Employees Weighted Average
3 Maturity Level
Adopting
ITKnowledge
Systems 4 4 Integrated
Integrated
Strategy and Leadership (S&L) 3.7 Managing
Smart Products 3.3 Managing
Employees 3 Adopting
SmartITWarehouses
Systems 4 3.3 Managing
Integrated
Technologies
Smart Products 3.3 3.1 Managing
Managing
Smart Warehouses 3.3 Managing
Technologies 3.1 Managing

Radar chart
Figure 6. Radar chart visualizing
visualizing Logistics 4.0 maturity in all the seven dimensions.

5. Discussions
5. Discussions and and Conclusions
Conclusions
The goal
The goal ofof this
thispaper
paperwaswastotoapply
applya amaturity
maturity model
model forfor
Logistics 4.04.0
Logistics andand testtest
its feasibility on the
its feasibility on
real case study of two companies. To reach this objective, we reviewed
the real case study of two companies. To reach this objective, we reviewed the existing research the existing research in the
in
intersection between Logistics 4.0 and Industry 4.0 to explore the maturity
the intersection between Logistics 4.0 and Industry 4.0 to explore the maturity models dealing with models dealing with the
implementation
the implementation of Industry 4.0 solutions
of Industry in logistics
4.0 solutions processes.processes.
in logistics Then, twoThen,manufacturing companies
two manufacturing
operating in Poland were identified as study cases to evaluate their
companies operating in Poland were identified as study cases to evaluate their level of maturitylevel of maturity in terms in of
Logistics 4.0. Therefore, the results highlight the strengths and weaknesses
terms of Logistics 4.0. Therefore, the results highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the two of the two companies with
respect to the
companies withtransition
respect towards Logisticstowards
to the transition 4.0. Logistics 4.0.
Although the sample size of the companies
Although the sample size of the companies analyzed
analyzed is very small
is very and,and,
small therefore, it does
therefore, it not
does allow
not
us to identify the results at concept-level, the testing of the model on these
allow us to identify the results at concept-level, the testing of the model on these two real companiestwo real companies case
studies
case showed
studies its capacity
showed to adapt
its capacity to to different
adapt scenarios.
to different In addition,
scenarios. the anatomy
In addition, of the analyzed
the anatomy of the
companies, characterized by a very different core business, allowed
analyzed companies, characterized by a very different core business, allowed us to evaluateus to evaluate the flexibility of the
the
model. In both
flexibility of thecases, the model
model. In both allowed
cases, usthetomodel
identifyallowed
the levelus of to
maturity
identify of the
companies
level ofinmaturity
accordance of
with Logistics 4.0.
companies in accordance with Logistics 4.0.
Even if
Even if the
the conducted
conducted teststests are
are not
not enough
enough to to allow
allow aa complete validation of
complete validation of the
the model,
model, theythey
have however
have however shown
shown the the effectiveness
effectiveness of of the
the model
model in in the
the industrial
industrial context. Consistently with
context. Consistently with this
this
consideration, our research represents only the first step to enhance the transition
consideration, our research represents only the first step to enhance the transition towards Industry towards Industry
4.0 in
4.0 incompanies’
companies’logistics
logisticsprocesses.
processes. Accordingly,
Accordingly, it provides
it provides to companies’
to companies’ decision-makers,
decision-makers, a user-a
friendly tool for a quick evaluation of the maturity level of the company in terms of Logistics 4.0. 4.0.
user-friendly tool for a quick evaluation of the maturity level of the company in terms of Logistics
From a theoretical perspective, mostly in light of the emerging results, this work can be considered
as one of the first attempts to dig into the ways of transitioning towards Logistics 4.0 by proposing an
ad-hoc maturity model for evaluating the implementation of Industry 4.0 in logistics processes. From a
managerial perspective, the paper advances the proposed maturity model as a tool that, especially for
logistics companies, can be applied to assess their readiness level to the fourth industrial revolution.
Sustainability 2020, 12, 86 16 of 18

Several reflections can additionally be done according to this research. First, Industry 4.0
represents a necessary path that companies should consider if they intend to survive in rapidly and
constantly evolving markets. Rohrbeck and Schwarz (2013) have already observed that ignoring
changes in a globalized world often results in losing opportunities or failing to respond to threats [38].
Initiating and successfully completing the processes of innovation and digital transformation from the
perspective of Industry 4.0 requires, in addition to investments in hardware and software technologies,
an internal cultural change and consequently a well-defined company roadmap. Second, the digital
transition pushed by Industry 4.0 not only challenges companies’ capacity to innovate, but also
requires new strategies, organizational and operational models, as well as organization-wide changes
in physical infrastructure, manufacturing operations, technologies, human resources, and managerial
practices [39]. Hence, this represents a profound change, a transformation towards digital requires
a thorough understanding of current state of transition of a company, hence suggesting subsequent
actions, such as the development of new methods and tools to face the transition.
Again, although new methods and tools were developed to provide guidance and support to
align companies’ business strategies and operations [19,40], much more theoretical and empirical
effort is further needed to develop and propose methods and tools that specifically address dedicated
companies’ areas for Industry 4.0 implementation, such as logistics, supply chain management,
manufacturing processes, etc. [41]. Accordingly, although we just started from logistics processes, there
is surely a space for future research both in other companies’ functions and sectors of activity. Finally,
we hope through this work, being preliminary in nature, to provide an effective reference model for
scholars and practitioners operating in the fields of Industry 4.0 and Logistics 4.0.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, F.F. and J.O.-S.; methodology, J.O.-S.; writing—original draft
preparation, A.U.; writing—review and editing, F.F. and A.U.; visualization, L.R., All authors have read
and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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