Information, know-how and knowledge management : a strategic factor for logistics suppliers facing the temptation for shippers to reintegrate logistics operations

International audienceNobody would contest that since the 80’s, logistics has become a real industry and that logistics suppliers have been playing an ever increasing role within logistics chain. This evolution has lead to the development of alliances between shippers and logistics suppliers but also alliances among logistics suppliers. Most authors working on that topic are convinced that the general trend of subcontracting logistics activities will continue and base their research on that hypothesis. However the question of the reintegration by shippers of logistics activities is raised, and shippers give arguments for such a decision. Some preventive strategic options for logistics suppliers have been pointed out. In this paper we deepen the role of information, know-how and knowledge management for logistics suppliers facing the temptation for shipper to reintegrate logistics operations. We begin with the main characteristics of the logistics supply industry (chapter 1) and the reasons why shippers are tempted to take back in house some logistics operations (chapter 2). Then we will focus on the strategic importance for logistics suppliers to manage what we call the “three inter-related spaces of competence” and develop the role of information, know-how and knowledge management (chapter 3)