A systematic literature mapping of current academic research linking warehouse management systems to the third-party logistics context

Abstract

Academic research on third-party logistics operators selecting warehouse management systems is scarce at best, based on found 86 area-specific studies written in English. Only 17 studies had mentions of 3PL and WMS but did not directly reference 3PL using WMS. Eighty-six studies covering four main categories contributed to understanding ongoing research in WMS characteristics and the 3PL context. One category is warehouse characteristics relevant to WMS, and the others concern the warehouse management system as its taxonomy, functions, features, and deployment considerations. Within these four categories, 17 subtopic areas were identified. WMS deployment considerations had the highest number of subtopics (ten), being the most focused area for WMS selection considerations for the system's successful implementation and operation usage. WMS functions and features category contained only a subtopic, indicating a need for additional research on operational functions in management systems and 3PL operations context. Award-winning 3PL validated our findings, utilizing their extensive industry experience. Based on the 3PLs validation review, fast-developing and technology areas, such as digitalization and the newest warehouse management technologies, were the only areas missing from the academic literature. Research is carried out to map the missing specific digitalization, technology-based research, development, innovation possibilities, and WMS sustainability-related knowledge gaps. By addressing the knowledge gap in existing literature, the study significantly contributes to understanding WMS utilization in the 3PL context, providing new insights into WMS characteristics overview, advancing research in 3PL logistics selecting WMS, and defining future research venues of WMS aspects.