City Research Online

Reviewing and conceptualising the role of 4.0 technologies for sustainable warehousing

Perotti, S., Cannava, L., Ries, J-M. ORCID: 0000-0002-8783-1768 & Grosse, E. H. (2024). Reviewing and conceptualising the role of 4.0 technologies for sustainable warehousing. International Journal of Production Research, doi: 10.1080/00207543.2024.2396015

Abstract

In recent years, various 4.0 technologies have been implemented to support or automate manual warehouse activities to meet the ever-increasing demands for lead time, service quality, productivity, and efficiency. In terms of sustainability, however, the impact of these 4.0 technologies remains unexplored. This study aims to address this gap by developing a conceptual framework for sustainable warehousing in the context of Industry 4.0, thereby focusing on the Triple Bottom Line (economic, environmental, social) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The framework is facilitated through a systematic review and classification of the literature based on warehouse processes—receiving, storage, order picking, packing and shipping, production logistics, and cross-docking. It enables the systematic evaluation of existing research, while considering 4.0 technology applications and their sustainability impact. The study also aims to identify opportunities for advancing intelligent, sustainable warehousing and discusses implications for researchers and managers.

Publication Type: Article
Additional Information: This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article that will be published by Taylor & Francis in International Journal of Production Research, available at: https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/TPRS
Publisher Keywords: Sustainable warehousing, triple bottom line, sustainable development goals, 4.0 technologies, systematic literature review
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor
T Technology > T Technology (General)
Departments: Bayes Business School
Bayes Business School > Management
SWORD Depositor:
[thumbnail of Accepted_version.pdf] Text - Accepted Version
This document is not freely accessible until 12 September 2025 due to copyright restrictions.

To request a copy, please use the button below.

Request a copy

Export

Add to AnyAdd to TwitterAdd to FacebookAdd to LinkedinAdd to PinterestAdd to Email

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics

Actions (login required)

Admin Login Admin Login