Unlocking the potential of robotic process automation for digital transformation in logistics and supply chain management

Abstract

Digital transformation (DT) and automation technologies have significantly impacted logistics and supply chain management (LSCM), enhancing business performance. Efforts to automate processes alongside machine and robotic automation aim to improve reliability, consistency, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. While existing research has explored specific aspects of DT and robotic process automation (RPA), the deployment and implementation of RPA as a service (RPAaaS) in LSCM are under-explored. This study focuses on RPA in LSCM and aims to improve organisational processes associated with DT. A systematic review identifies five knowledge clusters regarding RPA deployment for DT in LSCM. Real-life RPA implementation cases in a third-party logistics company highlight challenges and opportunities related to RPA deployment. Insights on the timing and choice of the RPAaaS platform to facilitate DT in enterprises are discussed. This paper provides extensive theoretical insights into RPA for DT in LSCM and offers practical guidance for streamlined implementation.