Tender Platform for Intralogistics technologies and Logistics services

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this master’s thesis is to investigate the applicability and functions of tender platforms for logistics projects hosted by consultancy firms (CFs), and the benefits and challenges for logistics companies.

Background – The digitization trend has transformed procurement practices, with e-tendering and tender platforms gaining attraction across industries. This shift is gradually replacing traditional tendering methods, known for their complexity and resource-intensive requirements, ultimately leading to enhanced efficiency, and standardized tendering procedures. Considering the importance of optimizing warehouse logistics for businesses, and the need for sourcing decisions between in-house intralogistics enhancements and outsourcing logistics services, it is essential to understand the requirements for integrating tender platforms within logistics CFs. These firms play a pivotal role in supporting businesses in their decision-making processes, particularly due to the complexity of logistics systems, facilitating tendering for their clients. However, the adoption of tender platforms in logistics CFs remains unexplored.

Methodology – This gap is addressed in this study through an exploratory case study at a German CF specializing in technical consultancy and planning for logistics projects. A mixed-method research design is employed, gathering insights into the perceived benefits and challenges of tender platforms through interviews and a subsequent questionnaire with employees and key stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, and providers. Additionally, this study identifies essential features and functionalities for an effective tender platform at the case company, leading to a market analysis of well-known S2C suites to assess their suitability.

Findings – This study offers a new viewpoint from warehouse logistics on benefits and challenges of tender platforms, highlighting the requirements within logistics CFs. It provides practical recommendations for integration steps for practitioners, complemented by a market analysis of S2C suites. Overall, this study offers fresh perspectives on tender platforms in warehouse logistics and contributes to both theoretical understanding and practical implementation in logistics CFs.

Popular Abstract

Tender Platforms: Digital Transformation in Logistics Consultancy

In the fast-paced world of logistics, the digital wave is transforming how businesses manage their tendering processes. Traditional, manual, and time-intensive methods are replaced with digital tender platforms, offering a streamlined and efficient approach to procurement. But how is this transformation applicable to logistics consultancy firms, which manage sourcing projects for businesses?

In today’s competitive global market, efficient warehouse logistics has emerged as a fundamental pillar of the modern economy. Businesses must choose between enhancing warehouse operations through intralogistics technologies – such as Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Pallet shuttles and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) – or outsourcing logistics services. Both require complex, project-specific solutions involving supplier selection through tendering.

Consultancy firms (CFs) assist businesses in navigating logistics complexities and making strategic decisions, including tendering for intralogistics technologies and logistics services. By adopting digital tender platforms, CFs can enhance efficiency and standardize tendering practices. However, the requirements for CFs differ from those of regular businesses, involving significant stakeholder participation.

Through a case study, encompassing interviews at a logistics CF, a requirement profile on features and functionalities of the tender platform was established. This profile highlights essential capabilities of the platform, including supplier management through Supplier Relationship Management, management of complex tender events, document exchange, and platform accessibility for the suppliers, the CF and its clients.

Key stakeholders of the case company – including clients, intralogistics technology suppliers, logistics service providers and IT systems providers – revealed numerous benefits and challenges associated with tender platforms in further interviews and a questionnaire. Particularly suppliers and providers noted challenges regarding platform inflexibility and increased administrative work, contrasting with the buyer’s benefits of reduced manual effort. Overall, tender platforms were recognized for their potential to streamline the tendering process, enhance transparency and ensure neutrality. Concerns about data security, usability and maintaining personal communication were underscored to ensure the platforms effective adoption at the CF.

Further a market analysis of Source-to-Contract (S2C) platforms provides an overview of their capabilities against the specific needs for CFs tendering intralogistics technologies and logistics services.

The study offers new perspectives on tender platforms within warehouse logistics revealing distinct requirements and viewpoints of logistics CFs. It recommends practical measures for integrating tender platforms within logistics CFs, similar to the case company.

In conclusion, adopting tender platforms at CFs can enhance their tendering processes and enable an oversight across all tender projects. Addressing stakeholder concerns and adjusting tendering processes are essential to leverage the platforms’ functionalities effectively.

• author: Nguyêñ, Lisa
• supervisor: Sandeep Jagtap
• organization: Production Management; Engineering Logistics
• course: MTTM02 20241
• year: 2024
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Technology and Engineering
• keywords: Warehouse logistics, E-tendering system, Strategic Sourcing, Source-to-Contract
• other publication id: 6025
• language: English
• id: 9164301
• date added to LUP: 2024-08-28 14:29:04
• date last changed: 2024-08-28 14:29:04