La logistica nelle imprese della grande distribuzione organizzata. Trasformazioni tecnico-organizzative e nuovi modelli gestionali

The present book analyses the retail logistics in the grocery industry from a managerial perspective and in particular tests for empirical evidence the effects of the reengineering the logistic system on efficiency and, in particular, on the manufacturer-retailer relationship. It analyses whether the reorganisation of supply chain attempts the relationship between manufacturer and retailer, bringing the market power towards retailer, and whether the manufacturer benefit from the integration with the retailer supply chain, achieving efficiency results that might not be achieved otherwise. As retailers centralise the Distribution Centre, they centralise the negotiation phase and gain scale, outpacing manufacturers through an increase in buying power. Some retailers are actively taking control of the supply chain through explicit horizontal alliance with other big retailers, with the aim at improving the buying power. On the other hand, the reengineering of the supply chain needs vertical collaboration between retailers and manufacturers in the management of logistic activities. In order to support our considerations, we employ a case study approach, conducted by interviewing three managers of Coop Italia, the leading firm in the Italian retail industry. Access to several internal documents on the evolution of logistics in Coop was provided by the head of Logistics. We also collected some information about the retail industry in Italy, analysing sectoral databases and specialised press. The paper sheds light on new logistic strategy made by the largest retailer in Italy. It shows also that the reorganisation of the supply chain affects the relationship between manufacturer and retailer. This reorganisation leads to important changes in the balance of power along the distribution channel. The case study represents a first example applying the principles of logistic centralisation in the Italian retail industry, which is characterised by a low level of innovation in logistics, due to its fragmented market structure. Our work aims to suggest managers of retailing firms operating in Italy the main operational guidelines to run their company. The study, in fact, provides important lessons on how the adoption of innovative logistic system can positively affect operational efficiency and vertical relationship.