Towards Smart Warehousing : Realigning Key-actors for a Successful Transition

Abstract: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to create a process map for realignment, showcasing how the actors in a retailing 3PL ecosystem interact when introducing a smart warehouse and which capabilities that each actor needs to possess to manage these interactions. Method - An exploratory research approach was used, where multiple cases of Swedish 3PL retail supply chains were investigated. The data was analyzed through a thematic analysis that enabled the development of a process map. Findings - The study resulted in two main findings. Firstly, a process map divided into four consecutive phases where the interaction between involved partners during the introduction of a smart warehouse were mapped: 1) Preparation; 2) negotiation; 3) integration and 4) continuous operations. Secondly, 15 capabilities were identified and assessed according to the actor which needed the specific capability. Theoretical contributions - The study contributes to previous literature within ecosystem by introducing, establishing, and creating an empirical foundation for the concept of realignment of ecosystems. Simultaneously arguing for the use of an ecosystem perspective when analyzing a supply chain’s value proposition. It further contributes to smart warehousing literature by broadening the scope to include actors interacting with the smart warehouse. Lastly, this study found capabilities required for the introduction of a smart warehouse from an ecosystem perspective. Managerial contributions - Depending on an organization's maturity and desired outcome, managers can use the process map and capabilities for 1) implementation guidelines; 2) intra-organizational assessment or 3) improve collaboration and knowledge sharing. Limitations - Study limitations include a narrow case selection in Sweden, as well as varying degree of smartness within the cases, both limiting generalizability. Hence, future research should focus on foreign cases and establish a consensus definition of smart warehousing, including the degree of smartness.