Measurability of City Logistics – An Indicator based Model for the City of Linz

Urbanisation, a major trend of our time, affects cities of all sizes, including Linz in Upper Austria. The increasing number of inhabitants and commuters poses new challenges for urban goods supply, further exacerbated by the rise of ecommerce. Maintaining sustainable aspects like city centre living space and ecological sustainability is crucial to keep city centres vibrant and attractive for retailers, restaurants, and cultural venues. A smart city logistics concept, such as Sustainable Urban Logistics Planning (SULP), is needed to meet requirements for economic efficiency, social and ecological sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Such a SULP requires effective management by measurable metrics, leading to the development of a key performance indicator model similar to a balanced scorecard.
Results: The research produced a customized key performance indicator model for Linz, highlighting the most critical sustainability dimensions. The application of the AHP method provided a clear prioritization of these dimensions, facilitating targeted and effective urban logistics strategies.
Implications: This approach enhances urban logistics efficiency, supports sustainable urban development, and informs decision-making with measurable data. It also promotes stakeholder engagement and offers a scalable and adaptable framework for other cities.
Limitations: The model's effectiveness relies on the availability and quality of data, and its findings are context-specific to Linz. Expert bias and implementation challenges may affect the outcomes, and the dynamic nature of urban environments requires regular updates to the model.