Abstract

DIANE, Dean; LUKE, Rose  and  HEYNS, Gert J. The impact of Digital Control Towers on 3PLs and their customers. JCMAN [online]. 2025, vol.22, n.1, pp.1-25. ISSN 1815-7440.  https://doi.org/10.35683/jcman1094.280.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Contemporary business thinking requires organisations to consider the interconnectedness of their supply chains and the successful integration and synchronisation of the upstream and downstream processes. A key enabler for such integration is the deployment of technology, such as a Digital Control Tower (DCT). This study aims to examine the veracity of benefits and challenges associated with the implementation of DCTs DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A qualitative research approach was used to explore the experiences of 3PLs with DCT implementations. Data was collected by conducting interviews with the operations and business development executives of 3PLs FINDINGS: A key finding was that DCT implementation projects deliver significant improvements in full supply chain visibility, collaboration, and performance. The results indicate that the key DCT implementation challenges are project complexity, systems integration, team selection and change management RECOMMENDATIONS/VALUE: A key finding was that DCT implementation projects deliver significant improvements in full supply chain visibility, supply chain collaboration and supply chain performance. The results indicate that the key DCT implementation challenges are project complexity, systems integration, team selection and change management MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS: The study highlights the benefits and challenges of DCT solutions. A DCT implementation framework is presented that guides management in considering the technical, financial, commercial, and operational requirements needed for DCT implementation projects JEL CLASSIFICATION: L20; L91; M00

Keywords : Digital control towers (DCT); supply chain collaboration; supply chain integration; supply chain visibility; third-party logistics (3PL).

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