Supplier parks in the German automotive industry: A critical comparison with similar concepts

Abstract

Purpose

In the German automotive industry the supplier park concept is one of the new concepts in procurement logistics, evolved in the last years. To understand the spreading of supplier parks, it is necessary to look at actual requirements in procurement logistics in the German automotive industry and find out how supplier parks can be an answer to those requirements. For this purpose it is necessary to identify indicators describing this logistics platform. The objective of this paper is the demarcation of the supplier park concept against the concept of a freight traffic center and the concept of a distribution center. Thus, suggestions for improvements of supplier parks and first impacts for new concepts in procurement logistics can be dedicated.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of this paper is to develop a descriptive model of supplier parks. The description of concepts with specific indicators has to be always the first step in dealing scientifically with new concepts emerging in practice. The paper outlines the supplier park concept in the German automotive industry with these indicators. First recommendations for the practical application of this concept are made by designing the indicators. The findings of this paper are based on an empirical investigation of the years 2000‐2002.

Findings

The findings are indicators which are useful for a description and demarcation of the supplier park concept. With these indicators the supplier park concept can be characterized and demarcated against the concept of a freight traffic center and distribution center. The description model of a supplier park delivers the theoretical framework for the development of explanation and decision models.

Originality/value

The indicators “objectives, participant, location, formation and operation” allow one to describe the features of supplier parks. Thus, the decision field for introducing and improving the supplier park concept is found.

Citation

Pfohl, H. and Gareis, K. (2005), "Supplier parks in the German automotive industry: A critical comparison with similar concepts", International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 35 No. 5, pp. 302-317. https://doi.org/10.1108/09600030510607319