サードパーティ・ロジスティクス (3PL)

The term “Third Party Logistics” (also known as 3PL or TPL) denotes the management of logistical activities by an external service provider acting on behalf of a company. Although 3PL is the most prevalent and well-known form of logistics provider, it is a highly paraded term used to designate externalized services. In order to correctly grasp the implications of externalizing logistical activities to a third party, it seems appropriate to discuss the origins of the term 3PL, the underlying subtleties of commonly known terminology and the different levels of logistics outsourcing.

サードパーティ・ロジスティクス : 用語と概念

The term 3PL is commonly attributed to Accenture, a consulting and technology firm, which was the first to give externalized services a specific name (and their very own acronym), promoting “3PL” as a distinct business strategy in the 1980s.¹ It initially described companies providing logistics services such as transportation, warehousing, and distribution on behalf of their clients. However, over time, the definition of 3PL has expanded to include a broader range of services, such as サプライチェーン管理, customs brokerage, and freight forwarding, and the term gained general acceptance by the year 2000.

Obviously, the concept of outsourcing logistics services to third-parties is almost as old as trade itself. For example, the Silk Road (active from the second century BCE) heavily relied on externalized logistics to transport goods across vast distances, with third-party transport providers like camel caravans and river barge operators playing a crucial role in moving goods between different regions. Similarly, the Inca Empire established an extensive system of roads and bridges to transport goods across their empire, but they also built warehouses and storage facilities to manage their food and resources. These examples illustrate how externalized logistics have been a critical component of trade and commerce throughout human history and needn’t wait for a catchy marketing term to become popular. Succinctly, “3PL” is a term companies use to refer to a practice that has, in fact, existed since antiquity.

外部委託された物流の概要

The term “3PL” remains a useful way to describe a logistics provider’s specific level of involvement and to distinguish between different types of logistics providers. By extension, these types can be classified as 1PL, 2PL, 3PL, 4PL, 5PL, and even 6PL, each referring to different levels of logistics outsourcing², with each level corresponding to a different degree of involvement and control by the customer. While certain vendors present the (N+1)PL as the upgraded version compared to the (N)PL, the number of “PLs” should not be seen as a measure of the quality of service provided. This categorization is vendor-driven and intends to give a sense of upgrade and novelty, which is not at all necessarily true. A 5PL is not intrinsically better than a 4PL or 3PL.

In addition, as the logistics industry has evolved and the lines between the different types of logistics providers have become increasingly blurred, some have argued that the term “3PL” may be becoming less relevant. Although the categorization is imperfect, it can still provide some insights on the varying degrees of logistic provider involvement.³

外部委託された物流の種類とその特徴

In understanding the spectrum of services offered in the industry of externalized logistics, it is important to underline that the boundaries between each category are often blurry: for instance, a 3PL company might also offer 4PL services, depending on its capabilities and the needs of its clients. You might find similarities in the range of services from one “PL” to the next, giving the impression that each level was shoehorned between the others for the sake of feeding the “PL story”.

• 1PL (“First-party logistics”): “1PL” refers to a company that manages its own logistics operations in-house, without outsourcing to a third-party provider. This term is not at all used in the world of logistics, as managing one’s own logistics operations in-house is (obviously) the default option. It’s the case for Amazon, for example, which uses its in-house logistics network to 在庫管理, warehousing and delivery. The term’s utility exists almost exclusively as a means of differentiating it from the other logistics outsourcing models.

• 2PL (Second-party logistics): This term is not very common in the logistics world. 2PL providers are typically asset-based carriers like shipping, rail, or trucking companies that directly provide transportation services. They focus on moving goods from one location to another but do not offer comprehensive logistics solutions. For instance, the fashion retailer Zara, contracts its transportation needs to specialized carriers while maintaining control over its warehousing and distribution centers.

• 3PL (Third-party logistics): A 3PL is the first level of externalized logistics in which a part of the supply chain is outsourced. Unlike 2PL, a 3PL is entirely responsible for the management of the services it carries out. These include transportation, warehousing, picking and packing, inventory management and order fulfillment. 3PLs are usually contracted by businesses to handle various aspects of their supply chain operations. 3PL is the most widely used and well-known term in the logistics industry.

• 4PL (Fourth-party logistics): A 4PL is a logistics provider that manages the entire logistical chain on behalf of the company. Services may include logistics planning, coordination, and execution, as well as technology-enabled supply chain visibility and analytics. Acting as a single point of contact for all logistics activities, 4PLs are typically used by large companies that have complex supply chains and want to optimize their logistics operations. The term is also quite common in the logistics world.

• 5PL (Fifth-party logistics): 5PL providers offer end-to-end logistical management solutions, including logistics management, supplier management, demand planning, and other value-added services such as risk management and sustainability. They act as a data aggregator and provide their clients with real-time visibility into their supply chain. Companies that typically rely on 5PLs are those that have a need for supply chain visibility and want to optimize their logistics operations with cutting-edge technology and customized and integrated solutions.

• 6PL (Sixth-party logistics): 6PL is a concept that is still in development. The term isn’t widely used or recognized in the logistics industry, but the concept is gaining some momentum. 6PL moves into the realm of AI, also known as an AI driven logistical chain. 6PL providers offer highly sophisticated and integrated logistical chain solutions, acting as a strategic partner to the client in managing all aspects of the supply chain, from sourcing and procurement to final delivery. This level of service provider may also offer additional value-added services such as innovation management, product design, and advanced analytics. 6PLs provide strategic advice on how to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

• 7PL (Seventh-party logistics): There is currently no widely accepted or established concept of 7PL, the sole emergence of this term in the Google search engine illustrates that the “PL” categorization can be misleading businesses into believing that the progression from 1PL to 6PL represents a linear improvement in quality and that 7PL is superior to the other categories because it is new. Simply put, “7PL” is phantasmagoric marketing jargon.⁴

In summary, 1PL is a company’s own logistics department, 2PL specializes in one or more logistics functions, 3PL provides a range of logistics services, 4PL manages the entire supply chain, 5PL focuses on supply chain optimization through データ分析 and technology solutions, 6PL is a hypothetical AI-driven provider that manages the entire supply chain ecosystem and anything after that is, for now, irrelevant.

外部委託サービスの需要の高まり

The popularity of externalized services, particularly 3PLs, has risen substantially due to several factors. One major catalyst was 2020’s lockdowns and social distancing measures, prompting businesses to outsource transportation and warehousing activities. This shift was fueled by the significant growth in the e-commerce sector, which experienced a remarkable 77.6% surge in February 2020, according to the Forbes Business Council. As a result, the demand for externalized logistics services skyrocketed.⁵

Even before the pandemic, external logistics providers were evolving in response to technological advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainability. This transformation reshaped their operations, boosting productivity and enhancing service offerings. Many providers began incorporating GPS tracking, warehouse management systems, and transportation management systems to optimize operations and deliver more innovative, comprehensive logistics solutions to meet client needs.

Fulfillment by Amazon has emerged as a game-changer in the world of externalized services and 3PLs, particularly since 2022. FBA has continuously adapted to the increasing demand in third-party logistics and specifically catered to the needs of online retailers. A key factor that made FBA so attractive to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the first place was its ability to simplify logistics processes and offer a cost-effective, comprehensive solution that previously was not easily accessible to smaller companies. By granting equal access to advanced logistics services, FBA has enabled SMBs to compete more effectively with larger enterprises. FBA’s inclusive solution addresses warehousing, order fulfillment, customer service, global reach, Prime eligibility, and inventory management, which has further attracted businesses to outsource their logistics operations. As a result, FBA has not only reshaped the 3PL landscape but also set new standards for external logistics providers, encouraging them to innovate and adapt to the ever-changing demands of the e-commerce industry.

In light of FBA’s transformative impact on the logistics landscape, it is crucial to understand the broader context of supply chain management and the appeal of outsourcing logistics operations. The added complexity in supply chains stems from factors such as globalization, expanding product portfolios, increased customer expectations for faster delivery and customization, and the necessity to manage multiple sales channels. This heightened complexity has driven businesses to seek specialized expertise to optimize their logistics processes, maintain cost-effectiveness, and remain competitive in the market. In response to these challenges, companies have turned to outsourcing logistics operations, with 3PLs emerging as a popular choice among the various “PL” services available. Consequently, it is essential for businesses to carefully analyze the advantages and drawbacks of partnering with 3PL providers, as they must be fully aware of the risks and benefits associated with outsourcing logistics operations to a third party.

3PLの分析

With the expansion of outsourced logistics services, it’s essential to concentrate on the practical advantages and challenges related to using third-party logistics (3PL) providers. As 3PL is the most common term and these providers have experienced considerable growth, they will serve as a reference for assessing the overall impact of externalized logistics on businesses. Examining the various aspects of 3PL services can shed light on the potential benefits and drawbacks of outsourcing logistics operations.

第三者物流の利点

A typical 3PL offers a wide range of services, including transportation, warehousing, and freight forwarding. The use of 3PLs has several benefits for businesses, such as potential cost savings, increased flexibility, data analytics and access to specialized knowledge and skills.

• コスト削減の可能性: Businesses can avoid the upfront investment and ongoing costs of building and managing their own logistics infrastructure by outsourcing logistics operations to external partners. This is particularly beneficial for SMEs that may not have the financial resources to maintain their own logistics operations or who want to test the waters of a particular market without injecting important funds.

• 柔軟性と拡張性の向上: 3PLs offer a range of services, allowing businesses to customize their logistics operations to meet their specific needs. For instance, a company can choose to outsource its warehousing and distribution operations to a 3PL while retaining control over its transportation activities. This enables businesses to respond quickly to changes in demand or supply chain 混乱, while also gaining access to specialized knowledge and skills that may not be available in-house. For instance, a small e-commerce startup can use a 3PL provider like Shopify to handle their warehousing and shipping needs, enabling them to scale their operations without investing in their own logistics infrastructure.

• 技術とデータ分析: 3PLs use GPS tracking, warehouse management systems, and transportation management systems to optimize the use of assets and reduce waste. For example, a 3PL can use real-time data to track the location of a shipment, monitor inventory levels, and identify potential bottlenecks in the supply chain. This helps businesses to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and gain better visibility into their supply chain.

• 世界中のパートナーおよびサプライヤーへのアクセス: これは、国際的に事業を展開している、またはグローバルに事業拡大を目指す企業にとって特に有用です。グローバルな展開と現地での専門知識を持つ3PLとの提携により、企業は競争上の優位性を獲得し、海外市場でのサプライチェーン混乱のリスクを低減することができます.

要約すると、3PLを利用するメリットには、潜在的なコスト削減、柔軟性の向上、専門的な知識とスキルへのアクセス、技術とデータ分析の最適化、そしてグローバルなパートナーおよびサプライヤーのネットワークへのアクセスが含まれます。これらのメリットにより、企業は物流業務を改善し、コストを削減し、自らの市場で競争上の優位性を確保することが可能となります。しかしながら、3PLの利用には慎重に検討すべき制約や課題も存在することに留意する必要があります.

サードパーティ・ロジスティクスの欠点

物流業務のアウトソーシングにはメリットがありますが、複数の欠点も慎重に検討しなければなりません。これらには以下が含まれます:

• 能力の喪失: これは支配権を放棄することによる重大な結果です。重要な物流機能を委任することにより、企業は知らず知らずのうちに統制権を手放し、内部能力が低下する可能性があります。その結果、社内での専門知識の維持が困難になり、従業員が物流業務に不慣れになる恐れがあります。この能力の喪失は、企業が3PL契約を終了し、自社で物流管理を再開する場合に問題を引き起こし、サプライチェーンの混乱やコストの増加を招く可能性があります。したがって、企業は物流業務のアウトソーシングに関する長期的な影響を慎重に考慮し、外部サポートを活用しながらも内部能力を維持する必要があります.

• 統制全体の喪失: 企業は製品の輸送や取り扱いに対する統制が弱くなる可能性があり、その結果、損傷や紛失のリスクが高まります。これは、特に取り扱いや輸送に専門的な管理が必要な敏感品や高価値商品にとっては重大な問題となります。さらに、出荷のタイミングやスケジュールに柔軟性が欠ける可能性があり、これが遅延や締切の逸失につながることもあります。全体として、企業は信頼性が低下し、最終的には専門知識を失うリスクを抱えます。例えば、1990年代後半にナイキは、自社の3PLプロバイダーにおける在庫の見通しや統制の不足によりサプライチェーンの問題に直面しました。これにより需要予測が不正確になり、過剰在庫やストックアウトが発生し、最終的にはナイキの収益性およびブランドの評判に悪影響を及ぼしました.⁶

• コスト: 物流業務のアウトソーシングが一部の企業にとってコスト削減につながる一方で、状況によってはより高額になる場合もあります。例えば、3PLプロバイダーが専門的なサービスや機器についてプレミアムを請求する場合、企業が自社で物流業務を行った場合よりも高コストとなる可能性があります。企業はアウトソーシング前に、自社の物流要件および関連コストを慎重に評価することが不可欠です.

• コミュニケーションと調整: 効果的なコミュニケーションと調整は、物流業務のアウトソーシングを成功させるために不可欠です。しかし、複雑なサプライチェーンネットワークや複数のパートナー、異なるタイムゾーンや言語に対処することは大きな課題となり得ます。この課題を克服するために、3PLはクライアントのITシステムと互換性を持ち、円滑なコミュニケーションと調整を保証する必要があります.

• 利益相反: 3PLプロバイダーは複数のクライアントと取引を行っているため、より大きなまたはより収益性の高いクライアントのニーズを優先し、小規模なクライアントの利益を危うくする可能性があります。さらに、3PLプロバイダーは繁忙期にはキャパシティが制限されることがあり、これが企業の顧客注文を迅速に処理する能力を妨げる場合があります。したがって、企業は物流業務のアウトソーシング前に、3PLのサービス内容、方針、および手続きについて十分に理解しておく必要があります.

結論

結論として、3PLは物流アウトソーシングの重要なカテゴリを表していますが、現在では1PLから6PLまでを含むより広範な分類の一部として進化しています。しかし、この分類が必ずしもサービスの質を反映するものではないことを覚えておくことが重要です。むしろ、企業は自らのサプライチェーンの具体的なニーズを理解し、最も適切な物流プロバイダーを選定することに注力すべきです。プロバイダーの関与度の違いを認識することで、企業は情報に基づいた意思決定を行い、物流業務を最適化して効率を向上させ、コストを削減することが可能となります.

第三者物流プロバイダー (3PL) への物流業務のアウトソーシングは、企業にとって時間とコストの節約を効率的に実現する方法となり得ます。しかし、3PLに依存することには課題も存在します。主要な問題の一つは、外部に委託された活動に対する可視性と統制の欠如です。3PLがサプライチェーン業務を管理するため、企業はプロセスの各段階に関与していない場合があります。これが遅延や誤りを引き起こし、収益の損失や顧客満足度の低下につながる可能性があります。こうしたリスクを軽減するため、一部の企業は3PLとの関係を多様化し、混乱を最小限に抑え、信頼性を向上させる戦略を採っています.

さまざまな「PL」サービスが存在するにもかかわらず、3PLは物流機能のアウトソーシングを検討する企業にとって依然として人気の選択肢です。情報に基づいた意思決定を行うためには、企業は3PLの利点と限界の両方を考慮し、自らの具体的なニーズを満たし、長期的な成長目標を支える最も適切な物流パートナーを選定する必要があります。したがって、3PLとの関係を管理・監督することが最適な業務運営のために極めて重要です.

Lokadの見解

現代の外部化された物流の世界は、商品の移動や保管に関して比類なき多様な選択肢を提供しています。事実上、何でもどの場所でも、いつでも、そして高度なプログラミング能力を駆使して輸送および倉庫保管が可能です。しかし、これらの利点にはすべて代償が伴います。3PLを利用する企業は、いわゆる「ハイパーチョイス」ジレンマと同様の問題に直面します。つまり、選択肢が豊富であるがゆえに、最善の選択肢を見極めることが難しくなるのです。単一の3PLプロバイダーを選定することは比較的容易ですが、毎日の業務で在庫移動ごとに何百万、あるいは何十億という可能な組み合わせの中から選択するという課題は実に困難です.

Lokadは、3PLが提供するすべての物流オプションを含む、サプライチェーンのエンドツーエンドのpredictive optimizationを実現するプラットフォームを提供しています。高度な分析能力を活用することで、企業は意思決定と3PLの管理を最適化し、運用コストを削減することが可能です。さらに、Lokadのプラットフォームはサプライチェーン最適化のための統一ソリューションを提供し、データ統合を効率化するとともにIT部門への負担を軽減します。これにより、企業はサプライチェーンデータを効率的に管理し、3PLプロバイダーとの連携とコミュニケーションを向上させることができます.

米国では、多くのEコマース企業が商品保管、梱包、発送をAmazonのFulfillment by Amazon (FBA)サービスに依存しています。Lokadは、これらの企業がFBAに関連する長期保管料を考慮に入れることを支援します。特に、FBAには保管料が6ヶ月および12ヶ月経過後に大幅に増加する価格体系が存在します。この価格の特性を利用するために、一部のEコマース企業は、これらの保管料増加が発動する直前に商品をFBAから戦略的に撤去し、直ちに商品を再びFBAに発送して保管するという手法を採っています。この操作により、高額な保管料を回避しつつ、FBAのサービスを利用するメリットを享受することができます.

高度な分析能力を活用することで、Lokadは企業がデータ統合を効率化し、意思決定を最適化し、最終的にはサプライチェーンデータを効率的に管理して3PLプロバイダーとの連携を改善するのを支援することができます。Lokadの予測最適化へのアプローチは、サプライチェーン業務の改善と市場での競争優位性の獲得を目指す企業にとって革新的なツールとなります.

注釈