TRANSFORMATION OF LOGISTICS FROM AN OPERATIONAL FUNCTION INTO A COMPANY'S STRATEGIC SUSTAINABILITY SYSTEM: THE US EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Introduction. The article examines the evolution of logistics in the US enterprise management system and analyzes the key factors that led to its transformation from an auxiliary operational function to a strategic tool for ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of business. It is established that the development of logistics occurred in stages: from the concept of physical distribution of products and management of material flows in the 1960s–1980s to the formation of integrated supply chain management (Supply Chain Management) in the 1990s, and later to the modern model of strategic management of logistics processes, focused on ensuring the adaptability and continuity of enterprise activities.

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to study the transformation of logistics from an operational function into a system of strategic sustainability of the company based on an analysis of modern US experience, as well as to substantiate the author's approach to understanding logistics as an integrated system for ensuring adaptability, continuity of business processes, and long-term competitiveness of the enterprise.

Materials and methods. The study is based on the use of systemic, comparative, analytical and generalizing methods to assess the transformation of logistics into a system of strategic sustainability of companies using the example of the US experience. The information base consists of scientific publications, analytical reports of international organizations, statistical materials and practical experience of American companies in the field of logistics and supply chain management.

Results. The impact of global crises, primarily the 2008 global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, which revealed the vulnerability of global supply chains and led to a review of traditional approaches to logistics management, is analyzed. Particular attention is paid to geopolitical factors, in particular the trade confrontation between the USA and China, the war in Ukraine, the shipping crisis in the Red Sea and their impact on the formation of new models of organizing international supply chains, including reshoring, nearshoring and friendshoring.

The decisive role of digital transformation in the development of modern logistics is substantiated. It is established that the use of artificial intelligence technologies, Big Data, Internet of Things, Digital Twin, blockchain and cloud platforms ensures increased transparency of logistics processes, efficiency of management decision-making, efficiency of demand forecasting and risk management. The impact of climate challenges, the development of e-commerce and the implementation of sustainable development principles (ESG) on changing the logistics strategies of American companies is also analyzed.

It is proven that modern logistics in the USA has ceased to perform exclusively the function of cost optimization and has become a strategic element of corporate management, which ensures the stability of supply chains, the flexibility of business processes, the continuity of operational activities and the formation of long-term competitive advantages of enterprises. The results of the study can be used in the development of modern logistics strategies, the improvement of supply chain management systems and the adaptation of international experience to the practice of Ukrainian enterprises in conditions of economic instability and post-war recovery.

Discussion. In further scientific research, it is proposed to focus on developing models for integrating digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and predictive analytics into logistics systems to increase the strategic sustainability of companies. Another promising direction is to assess the possibilities of adapting advanced US logistics practices to the operating conditions of enterprises in Ukraine in conditions of economic instability and post-war recovery.