The detailed analyses of the reviewed approaches can be found in Annex VIII.
To summarize the analysis, the following conclusions can be made, which are also the bases for the further concrete evaluation and comparisons of the performance of the logistics sector analysed in chapter 2.
The overview and the fact sheets show that there are mainly three approaches regarding logistics performance measurement on national level: 1) statistics-based, 2) questionnaire-based and 3) case studies and other studies. The reviewed studies distinguish between national, multi-national studies and logistics performance measurement of different industry classes or logistics service providers and the logistics sector as a whole. Additionally the reviewed studies can be clustered regarding the thematic broadness and key performance areas covered:
Questionnaire-based studies seemed to be the most popular study approach for logistics performance measurement on national or cross-country level (here 8 from 15);
They are usually dealing with a broader thematic content and cover multi-key performance areas (here 6 from 8). While statistic-based studies (all 4) are in particular dealing with single thematic performance measurement;
“Logistic costs” as the most commonly used key performance indicator for logistic performance measurement on national level are usually studied in all statistic-based and questionnaire-based studies as part of multi-theme study;
Different metrics for “Logistics costs” as a performance indicator can be found:
% of sales, % of total costs, % of turnover, % of GDP, % of purchases and absolute costs. The main used metrics used to benchmark logistics costs as performance measurement are:
- % of GDP;
- % of sales or turnover;
- absolute costs.
The commonly used components of “Logistics Costs” are:
- transportation;
- warehousing;
- inventory carrying;
- administration;
- all other logistics-related costs.
It is not possible to conclude, which study approach generates more reliable results. But the common factor of questionnaire-based surveys is that the results are based on subjective answers of chosen sample size and structure and difficult to compare between surveys;
It may be concluded that available official statistics are sufficient and can be used to model and measure “logistics costs” as a key indicator in a valid and comparable way on national level;
However, it seems that there is a lack of statistic-based studies and approaches to measure the performance of multi-thematic key performance areas, e.g. service levels (time, frequency, reliability, connectivity, responsiveness), environmental sustainability (emission, noise, energy use), social (safety, security), other (capacity, utilisation). The studies: “World Bank -Logistic Performance Index- LPI”, “Finland State of Logistics” and “State of French Logistics” seem to gather the broadest view of logistics performance measurement on national level;
Efficiency of trade facilitation especially of customs and border management clearance seems to be an important dimension of logistical efficiency at national level;
There is a lack of consideration and measurement of sustainability, especially environmental sustainability, as part of an important Key Performance Area of the logistics sector on national level;