Digital lean management as cost-benefit factor in transportation and logistics

AIM: This work aimed to prove that digital lean management is a tool increasing the cost efficiency of transportation and logistics systems in the context of limited investments and stringent quality requirements to transport services. METHODS: The study used the lean management principles, digitalization concepts, and systems analysis of transport and logistics processes. The paper uses structured and logical analysis, comparative analysis, generalization of scientific and industry research, and qualitative assessment of the effect of organizational and process changes on the cost efficiency of transportation and logistics. RESULTS: The study identified industry-specific features of digital lean management in transport and logistics systems and substantiates the feasibility of integrating process and digital management tools. It showed that digital lean management has a synergistic effect, including a higher performance; increased utilization of infrastructure and rolling stock; reduced turnaround time, operating and logistics costs, and higher profitability of transportation and logistics. It was found that digital lean management may be considered a type of intangible improvement of transport infrastructure aimed at increasing the return on existing assets without a significant increase in capital investment. CONCLUSION: Digital lean management is an effective tool for improving the cost efficiency and sustainability of transport and logistics systems. The findings may be used to develop transport infrastructure improvement and transport and logistics digitalization programmes and substantiate management decisions related to transport system development.