Abstract
Aim/purpose – This study investigates how process performance mediates the relationship between software performance and business performance in Türkiye’s logistics industry. It addresses the problem of fragmented digitalization efforts that fail to integrate software with strategic process improvements.
Design/methodology/approach – The research employs a quantitative approach, using survey data collected from 124 managers in micro-, small-, medium-, and large-scale Turkish logistics businesses that utilize Transportation Management Systems (TMS). Data analysis is conducted via SPSS 28 and PROCESS Macro (Model 4) to test mediation effects.
Findings – The results confirm a dual-channel mechanism in which software performance exerts a direct effect on business performance and a stronger indirect effect mediated by strategic process performance. Specifically, TMS software enhances alignment, speed, and quality in strategic decision-making, which, in turn, drives superior outcomes across competitive metrics such as customer satisfaction, cost reduction, market share, and profitability.
Research implications/limitations – The findings highlight the need for process-centric strategies in software adoption; therefore, the study focuses on strategic decision-making performance rather than operational metrics. In addition, the results are limited to the logistics industry in Türkiye and rely on self-reported data.
Originality/value/contribution – This study extends digital value-realization research by quantifying the mediating role of process performance in the relationship between TMS software performance and business performance in Türkiye’s logistics industry. By integrating the resource-based view and business process management, it shows that software capabilities contribute to business outcomes both directly and – more strongly – through process-based conversion mechanisms in an emerging-economy context.