Last-mile Supply Network Distribution in Omni-Channel Retailing: A Configuration-Based Typology

This monograph develops a configuration-based typology that describes last-mile supply network (LMSN) distribution configurations in omni-channel retailing. The goal is to integrate relevant terms that have been used disjointedly with fragmented bodies of theory to describe the various forms of LMSN. A review of the academic and practice literature was conducted and complemented with secondary observations to identify the key configuration dimensions. Established guidelines for typology and theory building (e.g., Doty and Glick, 1994) were employed to develop the typology. The proposed typology comprises four ideal archetypes: Simple LMSN, Hyperlocal LMSN, One-Stop LMSN, and Protean LMSN. The four are described along the dimensions of: (1) network structure, (2) network flow, (3) relationship governance, and (4) service architecture. Referred to here as the SHOP typology in LMSN, each archetype is associated with one or more core logistics capabilities elaborated upon in a capability profile for each archetype. The typology identifies useful LMSN patterns and enables scholars to develop models and theories based on the four configurations and relate their findings to a specific configuration or across them, rather than expanding efforts on separate and unconnected studies. Notwithstanding, it incorporates elements of the omni-channel context that updates the previous “chain” centric typology developed by Boyer and Hult (2005), and serves as a stepping-stone toward improved insights on what drives, facilitates and inhibits “fit” potential of LMSN configuration. The research output enhances managers’ understanding of the various forms of LMSN distribution configurations and assists in the identification of possible routes to establish configuration footprints across different LMSN forms to support their omni-channel retailing strategies. Further study can identify the critical contingency factors influencing configuration choices.