English Version
INTERNATIONAL LECTURE
“UNDERSTANDING LOGISTICS SERVICES: FROM 1PL TO 5PL”
Speaker: Dr (c).
Julian Barona, Senior Lecturer of Logistics and SCM, Higher Colleges of
Technology (HCT), Abu Dhabi - UAE
Reviewer: Prof. Dr. Ir. Agus Purnomo, M.T., CMILT. (Professor
of Supply Chain Management - Master of Logistics Management Department –
Universitas Logistik Dan Bisnis Intenasional – ULBI)
Introduction
An interesting fact: global logistics costs in the 3PL and 4PL sectors reached more than USD 1.081 trillion in 2022, and are projected to rise to over USD 2.184 trillion by 2030, driven by the growth of e-commerce and supply chain digitalization? Amid this wave of transformation, a critical question
arises: Are companies ready to move from simple
logistics models to integrated 5PL services that combine technology,
innovation, and cross-network coordination?
A quote from Keith Oliver, pioneer of Supply Chain Management, reminds
us: “The supply chain of the future will be orchestrated, not just
operated.” The international
lecture “Understanding Logistics Services: From
1PL to 5PL” delivered
by Dr. Julian Barona is highly relevant for undergraduate, applied
undergraduate, and Master’s students of Logistics Management at ULBI—because it
not only explores the evolution of logistics service levels (from 1PL to 5PL)
but also examines their strategic implications for industry, education, and
international business in the era of Industry 4.0 and beyond.
Summary of
Key Themes
In his international lecture, Dr. (c). Julian Barona outlined the evolution of
logistics services from First Party Logistics (1PL) to Fifth Party Logistics
(5PL) as a crucial framework for both companies and academics. The concept of
“PL” (Party Logistics) represents the degree of outsourcing within the supply
chain, starting from 1PL, which is entirely self-managed, to 5PL, which
leverages advanced technologies to orchestrate global networks. At the 1PL
level, companies manage their own transportation and distribution, granting
full control but making scalability difficult. 2PL introduces specialized
transport providers, improving efficiency in the movement of goods.
A significant leap occurs with 3PL, where logistics services expand to
include warehousing, inventory management, distribution, and even reverse
logistics. 4PL functions as a supply chain strategy integrator, coordinating
multiple 3PLs while adding layers of technology and partnerships. At its peak,
5PL delivers global network orchestration powered by AI, big data, and
automation, enabling worldwide scalability—particularly for e-commerce.
Case
Studies and Key Practices
One case study highlighted the evolution of e-commerce, showing how a small
business began as a 1PL, managing deliveries from a home garage with dozens of
orders, then transitioned to 2PL using local transport services to handle
hundreds of orders. As it expanded, the company adopted 3PL for automated
fulfillment, then grew into 4PL with multi-channel optimization capable of
processing tens of thousands of monthly orders. Eventually, it embraced 5PL
with AI-driven demand forecasting and global expansion.
Another case from the electronics industry demonstrated how a company
initially managing its own transportation and warehousing eventually needed to
evaluate outsourcing strategies as it expanded internationally. These examples
underscore that choosing the right PL model must align with a company’s growth
dynamics and complexity. The evolution of PL is not merely a theoretical
concept but a strategic reality that defines business sustainability and
competitiveness in the digital era.
Analysis
& Discussion
The evolution of logistics services from 1PL
to 5PL carries significant implications for industry, education, and society at
large. For industry, understanding each PL level helps companies determine
outsourcing strategies that match their growth stage and business complexity,
while also unlocking opportunities for cost efficiency, enhanced customer
service, and accelerated market expansion. On the other hand, challenges arise
in the form of technology investment, system integration, and organizational culture
transformation that supports cross-network collaboration. For education,
particularly at ULBI, this topic enriches the curriculum with both practical
and strategic perspectives, preparing students to face the realities of a
dynamic business environment.
In the Indonesian context, the relevance of this topic is especially
strong, given that national logistics costs remain relatively high and
digitalization levels are uneven. Gaps in infrastructure, digital skills, and
MSME readiness present tangible barriers, but also substantial opportunities:
Indonesia can accelerate its competitiveness by advancing the adoption of 3PL
through 5PL models while simultaneously building adaptive logistics human
capital through close collaboration among universities, industry, and
government.
Conclusion
This review of the international lecture
reaffirms that understanding the evolution of logistics services from 1PL to
5PL is not merely a theoretical exercise but a strategic key to building supply
chain competitiveness and sustainability in the digital era. Adopting,
researching, and further exploring this topic is essential for both industry
and academia to adapt to global complexities while seizing opportunities for
technology-driven innovation.
Therefore, let students, faculty, and logistics practitioners use this
discussion as a catalyst for real collaboration in research, education, and
industrial practice. As Peter Drucker once said: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” The
question now is: are we ready to create a future for Indonesia’s logistics that
is more efficient, integrated, and globally competitive?
Indonesian Version
INTERNATIONAL LECTURE
“UNDERSTANDING LOGISTICS SERVICES: FROM 1PL TO 5PL”
Pembicara: Dr
(c). Julian Barona, Senior Lecturer of Logistics and SCM, Higher Colleges of
Technology (HCT), Abu Dhabi - UAE
Pengulas: Prof. Dr. Ir. Agus Purnomo, M.T., CMILT. (Guru Besar
Supply Chain Management - Master of Logistics Management Department –
Universitas Logistik Dan Bisnis Intenasional – ULBI)
Pendahuluan
Fakta menarik, biaya logistik
global bisa mencapai lebih dari USD 1,081 milyar di sektor 3PL & 4PL
pada tahun 2022, dan diproyeksikan naik ke lebih dari USD 2,184 milyar pada
2030 seiring pertumbuhan e-commerce dan digitalisasi rantai pasok? Di tengah arus transformasi ini muncul
pertanyaan kritis: Apakah perusahaan siap untuk bergerak dari model logistik
sederhana ke layanan terintegrasi 5PL yang menggabungkan teknologi, inovasi,
dan koordinasi lintas jaringan?
Sebuah kutipan oleh Keith Oliver,
pelopor Supply Chain Management, mengingatkan kita: “The supply chain of the future will be orchestrated, not
just operated.” Pengenalan kuliah internasional bertajuk Understanding
Logistics Services: From 1PL to 5PL oleh Dr. Julian Barona
ini sangat relevan untuk mahasiswa S1, D4, dan Magister Manajemen Logistik di
ULBI—karena membahas tidak hanya evolusi tingkatan layanan logistik (dari 1PL
ke 5PL), tetapi juga implikasi strategisnya dalam industri, pendidikan, dan
bisnis internasional di era Industry 4.0 dan beyond.
Ringkasan Isi/Tema
Utama
Dalam kuliah internasionalnya, Dr. (c). Julian
Barona menguraikan evolusi layanan logistik dari First Party
Logistics (1PL) hingga Fifth Party Logistics (5PL) sebagai kerangka
pemahaman penting bagi perusahaan maupun akademisi. Konsep “PL” (Party
Logistics) merepresentasikan tingkat outsourcing dalam rantai pasok,
mulai dari 1PL yang serba mandiri, hingga 5PL yang berbasis teknologi canggih
dengan orkestrasi jaringan global. Pada level 1PL, perusahaan mengelola
transportasi dan distribusi sendiri, memberi kontrol penuh namun sulit di
scale-up. Level 2PL menghadirkan penyedia transportasi spesialis dengan
efisiensi pergerakan barang.
Lompatan signifikan terjadi pada
3PL, di mana layanan logistik mencakup gudang, inventori, distribusi, hingga reverse
logistics. 4PL berperan sebagai integrator strategi rantai pasok yang tidak
hanya mengoordinasikan multi-3PL, tetapi juga menambahkan dimensi teknologi dan
kemitraan. Puncaknya, 5PL menghadirkan orkestrasi jaringan berbasis AI, big
data, dan otomatisasi yang memungkinkan skala global, terutama untuk
e-commerce.
Studi
Kasus dan Praktik Kunci
Studi
kasus yang dikemukakan yaitu evolusi e-commerce yang menggambarkan bagaimana
sebuah bisnis kecil berawal sebagai 1PL, mengelola pengiriman dari garasi rumah
dengan puluhan pesanan, kemudian beralih ke 2PL dengan jasa transportasi lokal
untuk mencapai ratusan pesanan. Seiring ekspansi, perusahaan mengadopsi 3PL
untuk automated fulfillment, hingga berkembang menjadi 4PL dengan
optimasi multi-channel yang mampu melayani puluhan ribu pesanan bulanan. Pada
akhirnya, perusahaan itu mengadopsi 5PL dengan solusi berbasis AI untuk
peramalan permintaan dan ekspansi global.
Kasus
lain dari industri elektronik menunjukkan bahwa perusahaan yang awalnya
mengelola sendiri transportasi dan gudang akhirnya perlu mengevaluasi strategi
outsourcing seiring pertumbuhan internasional. Dua contoh ini menegaskan bahwa
pemilihan model PL yang tepat harus mengikuti dinamika pertumbuhan dan
kompleksitas perusahaan. Evolusi PL bukan sekadar konsep teoretis, tetapi
realitas strategis yang menentukan keberlanjutan dan daya saing bisnis di era
digital.
Analisis
& Diskusi
Evolusi
layanan logistik dari 1PL hingga 5PL membawa implikasi besar bagi industri,
pendidikan, dan masyarakat luas. Bagi dunia industri, pemahaman atas setiap
level PL membantu perusahaan menentukan strategi outsourcing yang sesuai dengan
tahap pertumbuhan dan kompleksitas bisnis, sekaligus membuka peluang efisiensi
biaya, peningkatan layanan pelanggan, serta percepatan ekspansi pasar. Di sisi
lain, tantangan muncul dalam bentuk kebutuhan investasi teknologi, integrasi
sistem, serta transformasi budaya organisasi yang siap berkolaborasi lintas
jaringan. Bagi pendidikan, khususnya di ULBI, topik ini memperkaya kurikulum
dengan perspektif praktis sekaligus strategis, mempersiapkan mahasiswa untuk
menghadapi realitas bisnis yang dinamis.
Dalam
lingkup Indonesia, relevansi topik ini sangat kuat mengingat biaya logistik
nasional masih relatif tinggi dan tingkat digitalisasi belum merata. Gap
infrastruktur, keterampilan digital, serta kesiapan UMKM menjadi hambatan
nyata, tetapi sekaligus peluang besar: Indonesia bisa mengakselerasi daya
saingnya dengan mempercepat adopsi model 3PL hingga 5PL, sambil membangun SDM
logistik yang adaptif melalui kolaborasi erat antara kampus, industri, dan
pemerintah.
Penutup
Ulasan
kuliah internasional ini menegaskan bahwa memahami evolusi layanan logistik
dari 1PL hingga 5PL bukan hanya persoalan teori, melainkan kunci strategis
untuk membangun daya saing dan keberlanjutan rantai pasok di era digital.
Mengadopsi, meneliti, dan mengeksplorasi lebih jauh topik ini sangat penting
agar industri dan akademisi mampu menyesuaikan diri dengan kompleksitas global
sekaligus memanfaatkan peluang inovasi berbasis teknologi.
Karena
itu, mari mahasiswa, dosen, dan praktisi logistik menjadikan diskusi ini
sebagai pemicu kolaborasi nyata dalam riset, pendidikan, maupun praktik
industri. Seperti dikatakan Peter Drucker: “The best way to predict the
future is to create it.” Pertanyaannya sekarang, apakah kita siap
menciptakan masa depan logistik Indonesia yang lebih efisien, terintegrasi, dan
berdaya saing global?
"LET'S
JOIN ULBI"
Magister Manajemen
Logistik - “Shaping Future Leaders in Global Logistics”
Learn more by visiting :
https://admission.ulbi.ac.id/s2-magister-manajemen-logistik/
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Chain Integration; #Digital Transformation in Logistics; #Global
Competitiveness; #Logistik; #Logistics; #Supply Chain Management; #Supply Chain; #Green Logistics; #AI; #Big Data;
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