A typology of horizontal logistics collaboration concepts: an illustrative case study from agri-food supply chains

What is it about?

Although horizontal logistics collaboration (HLC) has become an important strategy to face today’s competitive market, companies face several challenges in its implementation. In this paper, we typify HLC concepts (HLCCs), identify their operational implications, and link each HLCC to adequate performance indicators. The paper first discusses the currently available typologies and their limitations and defines relevant collaboration classification dimensions. Then, a detailed analysis of each dimension is conducted, including the identification of resulting collaboration types. Next, collaboration enablers and the context influence are discussed, as well as their implications on the logistics system, with a specific focus on Agri-Food Supply Chains (AFSCs). Additionally, adequate KPIs are selected to evaluate collaboration outcomes. Finally, the HLCC is applied to an illustrative case study from AFSCs. The research shows that HLC is a complex strategy where several elements intervene in the creation of the collaboration scenario. The research also shows that the specific characteristics of AFSCs influence the partners’ selection process and increase the importance of partners’ similarity and information exchange.

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