The role of transportation in customized supply chains

This paper empirically explores the role of transportation in creating a customized supply chain using postponement. Based on a survey among manufacturers in three countries, it was found that a reconfiguration is needed for the creation of a customized supply chain. In this reconfiguration process, transportation considerations are extremely important, resulting in supply chains and distribution channels that are globalized and reliant on international transport. Postponement is increasingly applied in both manufacturing and distribution. Thus, through the facilitation of postponement and customization activities in the distribution channel, much business is to be gained for transportation and logistics companies