Machine learning applications in smart logistics: analysing barriers for future practices

Abstract

Purpose: Although there are studies analyzing barriers related to new technological concepts it turns out that there are only a few studies on barriers to machine learning (ML) applications and none of them consider the implications for smart logistics. Therefore the purpose of this study is to reveal and analyze the barriers to ML applications in smart logistics from both industry and academic perspectives. Design/methodology/approach: To achieve this aim first various barriers to smart logistics activities based on the Industry 4.0 perspective are identified. Later the relative importance of these barriers critical to the success of smart logistics activities is determined. Finally the interval-valued fuzzy (IVF) DEMATEL method is used to analyze the cause-and-effect relationship between each barrier based on industry and academic perspective. Findings: Eleven barriers related to ML applications in smart logistics were evaluated by seven experts who are working in different positions. Results show that the most crucial cause-and-effect barriers are integration and connection problems with value chain/network systems (B6) requirements of adapting new infrastructures (B11) and lack of transparency safety and security (B3). Originality/value: There is no study about determining barriers with merging smart logistics activities with the Industry 4.0 perspective. It is expected that the results of this study will contribute to the use of ML in the logistics sector by revealing significant concepts to which businesses should pay attention to prevent these barriers and by suggesting practical solutions to these problems. © 2025 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.