Implementation and Sustained Use of Lean Logistics: An Integrative Review of Technical and Organizational Factors

This article aims to analyze selected literature on the lean approach in logistics processes in terms of operational efficiency, organizational factors, and implementation barriers. The study is a narrative literature review based on a thematic analysis of academic articles, foundational books, and relevant theses and dissertations. Reported implementation outcomes, modeled improvement potential, and conceptual proposals are distinguished and compared. The review indicates that lean principles offer opportunities to reduce waste, improve flow, and enhance resource utilization in warehousing, transportation, distribution, and internal logistics. Realizing these opportunities and sustaining improvements are associated with managerial support, employee involvement, practical training, and the coordination of material and information flows. Inconsistent information, limited practical knowledge, weak organizational support, and coordination problems among partners may hinder implementation. The main conclusion is that the technical and organizational dimensions of lean logistics should be assessed together. The article recommends selecting tools according to specific process problems, monitoring outcomes across the entire logistics flow, and considering working conditions. The review's restriction to selected sources calls for caution when generalizing its conclusions.