Supply Chains and Urban Logistics Platforms - Sustainable Urban Logistics: Concepts, Methods and Information Systems - page 1

Supply Chains and Urban Logistics
Platforms

Daniel Boudoin, Christian Morel and Mathieu Gardat

Abstract This chapter introduces the stakes of urban goods transport integration
in city development, through a supply chain and platforms approach. The urban
logistics subject is analysed both from the public and private sector point of view.
By identifying the structure of present and hypothetical future demand in terms of
urban goods movements, various types of logistics platform are suggested as
possible solutions for the improvement of goods distribution within urban areas.
The chapter ends with recommendations on new forms of organizations, tech-
nologies and governance.

Keywords Platforms Supply chain Typology Urban logistics

1 Introduction

The cities are major economic places which influence on territorial dynamics is
constantly increasing. It indeed gathers traditional commercial functions, but also
essential services to our society. Moreover, the rush in researching productivity at
a global scale drives the evolution of productive systems, and we are presently
noticing the fragmentation of industrial groups with a need in specializing and
mechanizing. This trend is sustained by multiple material and immaterial
exchanges which are more and more efficient as they take place in dense urban
environments (Ambrosini and Routhier 2004 ).