Applications of logistics 4.0 in the digital transformation process: A research on the logistics sector with a sustainability perspective

Since the introduction of the Industry 4.0 concept in 2011, this industrial revolution and its effects on various sectors have been a topic of great interest. Similarly, sustainability and sustainable development, due to their broad dimensions, have become one of the most captivating subjects in both academic and industrial contexts. Logistics, as a sector, plays a crucial role in sustainability by potentially exerting significant impacts on various actors in the supply chain, resource utilization, and operational performance. In the current era of digital transformation, determining logistics strategies and integrating operations with technological solutions to align with sustainability principles are perceived as a necessity for companies to survive in global competition. This study evaluates the effects of Logistics 4.0 technologies on the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainability through freight forwarding companies as logistics service providers. In the research, the positive or negative impacts of Logistics 4.0 technologies on the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of freight forwarders are assessed using a qualitative approach. The multifaceted nature of semi-structured interviews is employed to gain a comprehensive perspective. Within the scope of qualitative research, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 executives or employees from 20 international freight forwarding companies based in Turkey. The findings were then analyzed. Based on the results, it was determined that Industry 4.0 technologies have significant positive and negative effects on each dimension of sustainability in the logistics sector. Additionally, the sources of negative impacts and solutions for mitigating these effects were identified in the study. This thesis fills a gap in the literature by examining the impact of technological transformation through a sample of Turkish freight forwarder firms. Moreover, by transparently presenting these effects, the study sheds light on the industry.