The Port Logistics Platform

Abstract: With the acceleration of global competition, the port industry was confronted with challenges and opportunities at the same point in time. Challenges were seen in the context of the ongoing logistics-restructured environment, and how the port would become fledged with this vastly evolving market. On the other hand, opportunities were highlighted by a plethora of new scholarly articles addressing the port within the logistics and supply chain management discipline. This evolving need brought the concept of the logistics platform to life, which is the focus of this thesis. The purpose of this thesis is to understand the key characteristics of the port in the newly logistics-restructured environment and to develop the same through identification of key elements and mechanisms for systematic integration of the logistics platform. Remarkably, many researchers have admitted the changing role(s) of the ports within supply chains, and that they are not restricted to their traditional role of simple point of transshipment. The provision of distribution and value-added logistics activities within the gateway position of major seaports has become a source of competitive advantage and an important business model. This is closely related to regional development that results from the establishment of new businesses in close proximity to ports. By this, the successful implementation of an integrated logistics platform would greatly benefit major seaports’ efforts for developing corporate customer value. With the adoption of a systematic integration of supply chain interfaces, the port industry will be able to compete in the global marketplace as an inherent element to competitive advantage. Although the concept of an integrated logistics platform should bring numerous benefits to both transport and logistics operators, the successful implementation of the concept lies on the port organizations ability to: support supply chain coordination in which all stakeholders work closely as if one single domain, adopt key business process integration by identifying linkages to logistics activities and enhance system optimization by bridging interfaces through a proprietary information system, allowing supply chain visibility for the entire system. Therefore, an integrated logistics platform should be seen as a common platform of logistics and information transactions. Key words: competitive advantage, integrated logistics platform, port industries, supply chain management, soft system methodology.