Logistics and Supply Chain

The latest publications in this offer are:

• October 10, 2025

  AG8160

  Intermodal transport

  This article deals with the definition of intermodal transport in all its forms, the chain of its components, and its development in Europe and more specifically in France. The nature of the various ITUs (Intermodal Transport Units), the various transhipment sites and the various types of transport equipment are detailed.The major European intermodal transport flows are indicated.

• August 10, 2025

  AG8120

  River transport

  The article highlights inland waterway transport in France through a historical introduction on inland navigation and on the waterways’ network. It then provides an overview of inland waterway transport at the international, European and French levels. Building the network in different steps leads to classify the main characteristics of inland waterways and to list the different waterways’ managers in France.The article then addresses the issues of the economics of inland waterway transport, the organization of the profession of inland waterway carrier as well as the environmental aspects of the management of inland waterways. One should also not forget the fact that waterborne passenger transport is undergoing significant development and that hydraulic management is increasingly present.

• April 10, 2025

  AG8030

  Logistics and transport information system

  This article examines the links between logistics management and transportation activities. More specifically, it focuses on logistics information systems and their relationships with transport activities within supply chains.After outlining the main principles of logistics strategies and the associated information and communication systems (ICS), the article discusses the co-evolution of logistics and transport, before focusing on the key ICS modules at the heart of these interactions. It concludes with the role of technology in logistics and transport and the need for skills and intelligence in the field.

• April 10, 2025

  AG5227

  Industrial challenges of outsourcing in the pharmaceutical sector

  This article analyzes the choice and consequences of outsourcing strategies on supply chains in the pharmaceutical sector.Based on the study of the drug supply chain, this case study provides a better understanding of how the outsourcing strategies pursued by players in the sector in France have led to increasingly frequent drug shortages. Supply tensions in this sector were exacerbated during and after the Covid19 pandemic, revealing the shortcomings of outsourcing strategies, leading some governments to encourage manufacturers to relocate the production of some pharmaceutical specialties.

• April 10, 2025

  AG8049

  Logistics from a real estate perspective

  This article is aiming to present the role of the real estate side in logistics.After a first part dedicated to an overview of the stakeholder system and the typology of buildings, the article present logistics real estate from the perspective of its benefits for the user (carrier, logistic services provider) first, and then from the investor's point of view. In the third part, it attempt to show the socio-economic contribution of the warehouse and its importance in planning policies.The topic will be addressed from the perspective of metropolitan France, but include some international references.

• January 10, 2025

  AG8045

  Urban logistics

  Urban logistics covers all activities aimed at optimizing the movement of goods in cities (transport, delivery, warehousing, returns management and support services). These activities are becoming increasingly important in urban lifestyles.This article presents new data sources linked to digital technology and discusses the environmental challenges of urban logistics. It deals with the decarbonization of delivery vehicles, including heavy goods vehicles, as well as innovative uses of cargo bikes and micro-mobility for last-mile delivery. New forms of logistics real estate and transformations in urban landscapes are presented, as are public policies and the key role played by low-emission zones.

• July 10, 2024

  AG8020

  Transport and logistics players

  A wide variety of players are involved in the movement of goodsthat belong to shippers: general and specialized hauliers, vehicle hire companies, intermediaries, transport organisers, logisticians, etc. but also industrial and commercial companies that carry out transport on their own account. This diversity is explained by the multiplicity of activities to be carried out, the specific characteristics of some goods - which require specific equipment and are subject to specific regulations - and the complexity of international and multimodal transport, including administrative formalities. However, the boundaries between these categories of profession are porous, and very often one player performs several roles simultaneously. We explore these different roles here.

• April 10, 2024

  AG5225

  Outsourcing strategies

  Why developing outsourcing strategies? Technological progress has reached such a level of sophistication that it is impossible for a company to have total control over the value chain of its products, from the materials of which they are made to the complex distribution channels to reach the end consumer.While this strategy is often seen as a means of boosting competitiveness, flexibility and responsiveness in the face of economic challenges, it is important to understand what is at stake and the risks to which companies are exposed when implementing it.This article also reviews the main stages in the outsourcing process.

• March 10, 2024

  AG5427

  E-commerce logistics strategies

  Over the last thirty years, e-commerce has profoundly changed the retail landscape. In recent years, the technological revolution has led to the emergence of omnichannel strategies, integrating digital and physical channels to deliver a seamless consumer experience.Company managers and researchers agree on the importance of the organisation of physical and information flows for the success of these omnichannel strategies. The challenge to be met is that of organisational change aimed at coordinating services to ensure consumer satisfaction.

• October 10, 2023

  AG8100

  Freight transportation by road

  This article is about goods transport by road in France. It uses mainly data from recent statistical enquiries. In spite of its vital role for economic activity, this mode of transport remains largely critized for three main reasons : social issues, safety issues, and environmental issues, with a focus on climate change mitigation that will require an overhaul of motorisation.Goods transport by road must face these challenges, but, to this day, no other mode seems able to play its essential role alone.

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