An introduction to logistics as a service

In order to handle the increasing need for supply chain flexibility and changeability and, thus, to manage complexity and dynamics, the deficits of traditional IT systems need to be addressed with new approaches. "Logistics as a service" is dedicated to the development of principles, concepts and prototypes of flexible and modular logistics IT services and infrastructures. These services are designed for individual combinability in a cloud marketplace and will offer comprehensive support from design and planning to operational management of supply chains. This paper introduces the respective main concepts and guiding thoughts which are picked up by several projects of the EffizienzCluster LogistikRuhr.