In-house, outsourced or hybrid logistics: the new models in the digital era
Is managing logistics in-house still the best option for SMEs in 2025? With rising demands for traceability, cost pressures, growing customer expectations, and accelerated digitalisation, companies are rethinking their logistics strategy. At a time when stock location matters less than smart control, let’s explore the key models shaping logistics today.
Why manage logistics in-house?
A guarantee of control, traceability and proximity 🫱🏼🫲🏼
Historically, managing logistics internally has allowed companies to control every stage of the supply chain — from storage to order preparation, including returns and dispute management.
For highly regulated industries (pharmaceuticals, food, chemicals), traceability is non-negotiable. In such cases, in-house logistics is often the safest choice.
Beyond regulatory compliance, in-house logistics also offers:
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Customised logistics processes,
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Fast response to disruptions (stockouts, seasonal peaks, returns),
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Better alignment between production and logistics operations.
The strategic role of WMS in in-house logistics
Satelix WMS: a smart control tool for SMEs 🔎
Today, with solutions like Satelix WMS, SMEs can automate and monitor their logistics operations with the same standards as large corporations:
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Lot traceability,
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Storage location optimisation,
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Automated cycle counting,
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Assisted order picking,
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Real-time alerts.
A WMS like Satelix empowers SMEs to maintain control over their flows while significantly improving operational efficiency — without increasing headcount.
Outsourcing logistics: a lever for flexibility and cost optimisation
When logistics outsourcing becomes strategic 📈
Managing everything internally isn’t always viable. Many SMEs opt for logistics outsourcing to reduce fixed costs and gain access to specialised expertise.
Main benefits of outsourcing:
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Turning fixed costs into variable expenses,
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Access to advanced logistics tools,
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Ability to scale quickly without infrastructure constraints.
1️⃣ Case study: Cdiscount & GXO Logistics
To handle the increasing demands of e-commerce, Cdiscount implemented a hybrid model: core logistics are managed internally, while part of the operations is outsourced to GXO Logistics.
Outcome: enhanced flexibility, cost savings, and consistent service levels.
2️⃣ Case study: Nespresso & Kuehne+Nagel
Nespresso entrusted its European logistics to Kuehne+Nagel with the goal of:
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Cutting delivery times (−30% across Europe),
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Reducing logistics costs,
- Gaining visibility over its entire supply chain.
What if the future lies in hybrid logistics?
Keep control over critical flows, outsource the rest 🤔
More and more companies are choosing a hybrid logistics approach, combining in-house control with targeted outsourcing.
Key success factors include:
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A modular logistics architecture,
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An interconnected WMS capable of monitoring both internal and external flows,
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Shared performance indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement,
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End-to-end traceability, regardless of where the stock is located.
Spotlight on Stockbooking: logistics flexibility on demand 🚚
Platforms like Stockbooking, known as the “Airbnb of warehousing,” allow companies to temporarily reserve warehouse space close to their customers — without long-term commitments.
✅ Key benefits for SMEs:
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Flexible contracts,
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Reduced “dead stock” during seasonal peaks or product launches,
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Enhanced customer proximity and faster last-mile delivery,
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Full digital tracking via a single platform.
Conclusion: Should you still manage your logistics in-house?
In 2025, the question is no longer just “Should we internalise our logistics?” but rather:
👉🏼 “How do we manage logistics intelligently?”
Successful companies are those that:
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Identify their critical flows,
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Build the right mix of in-house resources and trusted partners,
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Rely on a WMS like Satelix to centralise data, automate tasks, and ensure full traceability.
In-house, outsourced, or hybrid — what matters most today is how you control your logistics, not where your stock is stored.
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Sources: GXO Logistics, Kuehne+Nagel, Stockbooking, Supply Chain Magazine
