DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN LOGISTICS IMPACT OF AUTOMATION AND ERP SYSTEM

To achieve operational excellence, global logistics companies are undergoing a digital transformation. This
research examines the effects of two major technologies, automation, and enterprise resource planning (ERP), on
the overall performance of an international freight forwarder based in Chennai, India. The data for this analysis
were obtained through structured surveys administered to 50 logistics employees across five functional divisions
of the company. The study used a quantitative and empirical research methodology. The study employed a
conceptual framework that demonstrated operational efficiency as the intermediary variable, while ERP and
automation as independent variables. The moderating factors affecting overall logistics performance included
employee training, management support, and employee skills. The study examined many of the primary
performance factors of logistics companies, including cost savings, ordering cycle time, warehouse efficiency,
real-time shipment visibility, inter-department communications, and total customer satisfaction. Statistical
methods, including one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square testing, descriptive statistics, and
percentage analyses were used to validate the proposed connections. The findings suggest that both enterprise
resource planning (ERP) systems and automation are associated with measurable improvements in logistics
operations. Specifically, ERP systems have a strong effect on improving transportation and inventory capacity.
There are major barriers that could slow the pace of digital advancement for companies in the freight forwarding
industry; they include high implementation costs, lack of employee knowledge training, and cybersecurity risks.
This research will advance the literature on the digital transformation of logistics in developing countries by
providing practitioners and policymakers with empirical and substantial guidance to support them during their
digital shift in the freight forwarding business.
Keywords: Supply Chain Management, Automation, ERP Systems, Logistics Performance, Freight Forwarding,
Operational Efficiency