Pan, S., Ballot, E., Huang, G.Q., 2026. Operations with physical internet, in: Choi, T.-M. (Ed.), Encyclopedia in Operations Management (First Edition). Elsevier, Oxford, pp. 504–514. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-28993-4.00171-2
Physical Internet (PI) is an revolutionary and rapidly advancing paradigm in the field of global logistics and supply chain management. Initially, PI was conceptualized as a framework that emulates the data packet transmission model of the digital internet, applying it to freight transport and logistics over the physical systems. Over time, the PI concept has significantly evolved, incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Digital Twins, and Artificial Intelligence, and aligning with emerging economic models like platform economy, sharing economy, or circular economy, for example. As a result, PI has developed into a holistic paradigm aimed at streamlining and optimizing logistics operations and supply chain management to enhance the sustainability and resilience. This chapter explores the potential of PI to transform operations management within logistics and supply chains, highlighting key pathways for its continued evolution and impact. Additionally, it outlines promising research avenues, where PI and emerging operations management practices can complement each other, notably in logistics coopetition, Cyber-Physical Internet, and Logistics-as-a-Service models.