DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN THE LOGISTICS INDUSTRY: AN EVIDENCE-BASED SYNTHESIS OF LOGISTICS ACTIVITY

Abstract

This review synthesizes evidence on how digital technologies transform nine cores
logistics activities: demand forecasting and planning; customer service and support; logistics communications and order processing; purchasing and procurement; materials handling and packaging; facility site selection, warehousing, and storage; inventory management; transportation; and reverse logistics. Structured searches of studies published between 2015 and 2025 identify empirical and rigorous simulation research reporting quantitative outcomes for efficiency, accuracy, service level, resilience, and sustainability. Findings are organized by activity and mapped to the most relevant technologies. Artificial intelligence and machine learning, IoT and RFID, cloud computing, big data analytics, and robotics and automation yield consistently positive effects when aligned with activity requirements: higher forecast accuracy and service performance; shorter order cycles with fewer errors; improved inventory turnover and lower holding costs; and better on-time delivery with reduced fuel use and emissions. AR/VR, blockchain, and digital twins exhibit emerging to medium–high impact in training, traceability, and network or warehouse optimization, respectively. Adoption remains constrained by high upfront investment, skill shortages, process and culture change, cybersecurity and privacy risks, and end-to-end data integration across partners. An activity–technology roadmap is
offered to guide prioritization, sequencing, and scale-up, with implications for managers and policymakers in Asian markets.