Challenges and Trends of the logistics 4.0

Context: Owing to the technological breakthrough in the worldwide productive systems, generated by the 4.0 revolution, it is compulsory to make sweeping changes to logistics both nationally and internationally to allow supply chains to enhance their performance and their response time. Hence, the concept of Logistics 4.0 was born. Although many developed countries have implemented the principles of Logistics 4.0, there is still a breach in its study and application worldwide. This article explores the challenges and tendencies in the implementation of Logistics 4.0. Method: Articles published from 2015 to 2021 in the databases of Scopus, Science Direct, Taylor and Francis and Google Scholar, were analyzed by a systematic literature review. The explored publications were found using the search terms: (("logistics 4.0") OR ("supply chain 4.0") OR ("industry 4.0" AND ("logistics" OR "supply chain"))) and ((“blockchain” OR “IoT” OR “Cyber Physical Systems” OR “Big Data”) AND “logistics”) in title, abstract and keywords. Results: It was proposed a conceptualization of Logistics 4.0 including definition, objectives, characteristics, and most representative technologies in its implementation. Likewise, the main challenges and trends that industries could face in the implementation of Logistics 4.0 within logistics systems, and supply chains were identified. Conclusions: Logistics 4.0 is a novelty term that has aroused the interest of researchers, governments, and companies worldwide, due to its promising benefits in reducing response times and increasing flexibility and collaboration in supply chains. However, the lack of a common framework for its study and adoption has hindered its integration in companies and supply chains, specially in those located in developing countries, which must face technical, social, economic, and legal barriers for the implementation of logistics 4.0.