Towards Logistics Excellence: Organizational and Technological Levers for Sustainable Performance

Abstract

Recently, amid a period of pronounced uncertainty marked by accelerated trade, growing digitalization, and recurrent disruptions—whether sanitary, geopolitical, or environmental—logistics has assumed a central strategic role in value creation and corporate competitiveness. This article examines the theoretical foundations of logistics excellence and highlights its three key dimensions: operational efficiency, organizational agility, and sustainable performance.

The first section offers an in-depth literature review, drawing on numerous recent academic publications and industry reports. It traces the historical evolution of the efficiency concept, from cost- and time-optimization to the integration of emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, blockchain, and AI-driven automation. The second dimension, agility, is analyzed through the application of Lean and Agile approaches to logistics processes, emphasizing mechanisms for cross-functional collaboration, continuous learning loops, and decentralized decision-making. Finally, sustainable performance is addressed from a socio-environmental responsibility perspective, underlining the importance of carbon-footprint metrics, circular supply chains, and green procurement practices.

Beyond theory, this article builds on an analysis of best practices in leading multinational corporations and innovative SMEs to identify the organizational (governance, skills, culture) and technological (digital twins, collaborative platforms, advanced analytics) levers that can align logistics with overall corporate strategy. Based on this analysis, we put forward concrete managerial recommendations: foster a data-driven culture, strengthen ecosystem partnerships, leverage digital maturity assessments, and establish adaptive processes to anticipate and respond swiftly to supply-chain disruptions.In conclusion, this article presents an actionable conceptual framework to guide companies toward more resilient, collaborative, and customer-oriented logistics systems, thereby enhancing sustainable competitiveness in a volatile global environment.

Classification JEL: M11.

Paper type: Theoretical Research