This Survey is commissioned by Ministry of Transport and Communications Finland, and it is a continuation of similar surveys published in 1993, 1997 and 2001. The level of logistics in Finnish manufacturing, wholesale and retail and logistics firms is assessed through logistics costs, performance indicators, IT usage, competence, development needs, outsourcing and choice of location. 2,255 firms´ responses were gathered through a web-based survey (manufacturing 44%, wholesale & retail trade 35% and logistics firms 21 %). It is probably the largest database of its kind in the World. Logistics costs were on average 13% of the turnover (equivalent of 26.4 billion euros), which is a relatively high figure in international comparison. The figure is higher than in the 2001 Survey, mainly for two reasons: (i) the number of small and micro firms was higher, and (ii) the market of Finnish firms has become more international. The net value added of Finnish logistics firms was 8 billion euros in 2004. Logistics costs in internationally operating firms were several percentage point lower than in domestically operating firms. Small and micro firms had higher costs than large firms irrespective of their industry; the latter are able to exercise economies of scale and their market leverage in supply chains. On average, Finnish firms scored well against international logistics performance indicators. Firms exposed to international competition scored far better than those operating domestically. IT usage in logistics has not increased much since 2001; except for the now ubiquitous e-mail. Awareness of the importance of logistics is generally good. Firms assess their competence in logistics as relatively good, especially in large firms, retail trade and in logistics firms. The most important development needs are: supply chain visibility (large and international firms); competence of staff (SMEs); and partner networks and customer service (logistics firms). Outsourcing of warehousing, invoicing and inventory control are expected to increase substantially. Retail and wholesale firms were very much more satisfied with their location than manufacturing firms. (Author/publisher)
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