A study on barriers of innovation in warehouses and distribution centers

With logistics receiving more attention from the entire industry, a lean and efficient supply chain becomes the new hot topic in logistics industry. As a consequence, competition between supply chains becomes fiercer. As an important link and node in the supply chain, warehouses and distribution centers have to upgrade themselves to survive in the evolution of logistics industry. One way for them to succeed is to innovate. Innovation is a powerful tool which enables companies to possess distinct competence and competitive advantage. However, certain barriers/obstacles are lying on the way to innovate. This research aims to find out the barriers which could inhibit or hamper innovation for warehouse and distribution centers in Singapore context. A questionnaire survey and a follow up interview session have been conducted to dig out the true barriers faced by warehouse and distribution centers in Singapore. Although most of survey respondents claimed themselves as innovators based on survey results, they are indeed facing barriers when conducting innovation. Survey result shows that companies usually have problems with their corporate culture and staff, financial resources, access to technology knowledge and cooperation with supply chain partner, which all together form the barrier of innovation. Companies much be fully aware of these barriers and overcome them in order to achieve success in innovation.Bachelor of Science (Maritime Studies