Smart logistics infrastructure in peripheral region

Abstract

PURPOSE: The main aim of the article is to find out the extent to which enterprises in Central Pomerania, which is an example of a peripheral region, are equipped with smart logistics infrastructure and infrastructure, indicating the conditions for the development of enterprises towards the use of smart logistics solutions.

APPROACH/METHODOLOGY/DESIGN: The empirical part is based on a survey conducted on a sample of enterprises (n = 353) located in the region of Central Pomerania. The research model covers the key areas of smart logistics infrastructure used in enterprises. In the analytical part, basic statistical methods were used, based on the CHI-square test of independence, enabling the assessment of the dependence of enterprise infrastructure on the type of business activity.

FINDINGS: The obtained results indicate that there is a relationship between the type of business activity and the enterprise's infrastructure and smart solutions. This applies to both Internet of Things (IoT) devices as well as devices for communication and digitization. The industry that has the least developed in its activities Smart Logistics is tourism, gastronomy and entertainment, trade and construction. . Industrial processing and transport stand out positively in this respect.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Practical implications boil down to identifying which enterprises develop the SL function less and encounter development barriers, which in turn may be helpful in creating a support policy.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Study is one of the few that provides knowledge on the use of SL in a wide group of enterprises. It provides knowledge about the relationship between the type of enterprise and the development of its logistics functions in the context of the use of smart solutions and technologies.