Automation of logistics processes in direct trade between producers and the restaurant sector

Abstract

This article examines the process of automating supply chain management systems and the deployment of digital platforms to facilitate direct trade between restaurants and manufacturing enterprises. The research is aimed at simplifying and optimising processes through integrated systems. A mixed-methods approach was employed, consisting of a systematic literature review and collecting primary data via a survey. Specifically, the authors distributed structured questionnaires to senior business logistics managers from various companies, selecting 50 managers with diverse managerial qualifications using purposive sampling. The study revealed that integrating inventory management systems into the supply chain network reduces supply chain costs by 20%, while order fulfilment accuracy improves by over 30%. It also showed that processes such as queuing could be reduced by approximately 40% without incurring additional costs when digital systems, such as EDI, are used in conjunction, which proves particularly beneficial in the restaurant industry. SEM analysis confirmed that service automation enhances service speed (β = 0.45) and service satisfaction (β = 0.40). The findings underscore the need to justify the shift to digital solutions to increase market competitiveness. Further research should focus on evaluating the sustainability of automation and the institutional characteristics of the studied countries, which goes beyond the scope of this study.