Cross-docking's research gaps and directions

• Published in: Mudīrīyyat-i tawlīd va ʻamalīyyāt 2022-12, Vol.13 (4), p.39-60
• Main Authors: Dariush Mohamadi zanjirani, Mahboobeh Kazemi, Majid Esmailian
• Format: Article
• Language: per
• Subjects: cross-docking; distribution strategy; logistic; meta review; transportation network
• ISSN: 2423-6950
• DOI: 10.22108/pom.2022.132316.1425

Purpose: Cross-docking deals with the goals of lean supply chain management. It is a distribution strategy. In this structure, goods are shipped from inbound to outbound trailers on the same day or overnight without putting them into storage. Cross-docking can realize transport efficiencies at reduced material handling and storage costs by eliminating the storage and order-picking activities from the main warehouse operations. These advantages make cross-docking an interesting logistic strategy that can give companies considerable competitive advantages. This paper aims to introduce cross-docking, its characteristics and its problem types, comprehensively. The focus of this study is on distinguishing research gaps.Design/methodology/approach: Systematic review is "review research by explicit, rigorous and accountable methods". Reviews and their findings can vary on many aspects of the 'dimensions of different'. One such review is the 'review of reviews'. A systematic review of primary research is the second level of research analysis. A review of reviews (sometimes called 'overview' or 'umbrella' review) is a tertiary level of analysis. It is a systematic map and/or synthesis of previous reviews. The 'data' for such reviews of reviews are previous reviews rather than primary research studies. This can be an efficient method for examining previous research. In this paper, cross-docking literature systematic review (review of reviews method) has been discussed by introducing, clustering cross-docking decision problems, and drawing future research directions.Findings: Bibliography, cross-dockings, and classified characteristics of cross-docking based on the decision levels (strategic, tactical and operational levels) were the major findings of this study. Also, the cross-docking problem types were addressed and the gaps in the field of cross-docking were determined. This study highlighted two frequent gaps that would need to be filled by focusing on the research areas of taking deadlines for the trucks into account and dealing with uncertainty.Research limitations/implications: Book chapters and conference papers were excluded from this research. Reviewed papers were published in a certain period and the English language.Practical implications: Today firms use different types of distribution strategies. Cross-docking with eliminating the storage and order-picking activities from the main warehouse operations is an interesting logistics strategy. products with