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Abstract
Considering the crucial role Information Technology (IT) plays in achieving performance improvements in business processes, this paper aims to explore the potential impact of the fourth industrial revolution – Industry 4.0 and its associated technological advances on Supply Chain (SC) performance. This study is exploratory research, conducted based on inductive reasoning, which aims to bring new insights into the topic, and to provide forward-thinking for future research. Hence, through conducting a systematic literature review, the paper attempts to explore the impact of Industry 4.0 on SC performance and to conceptualise and develop findings into an operational framework underpinned by Systems Theory. Based on this research, the application of Industry 4.0-enabling-technologies is expected to bring about significant performance improvements in SCM by enabling a holistic approach towards supply chain management resulting from extensive supply chain integration as well as information sharing and transparency throughout the supply chain. Moreover, these technologies allow for huge performance improvements within individual supply chain processes such as procurement, production, inventory management and retailing through enabling process integration, digitisation and automation, and bringing about novel analytical capabilities.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Hajar Fatorachian
Hajar Fatorachian is a Senior Lecturer in Leeds Beckett University. She is Pathway Lead for MSC Supply Chain and Logistics Course, and Module Leader for International Operations and Global Supply Chain Management Module. Hajar has been involved in various research projects exploring the role of the Internet of things (IoT) in Operations and Supply Chain Management. She has, also, been involved in several research/consultancy projects in various universities, including the Advanced Manufacturing Institute, at the University of Sheffield, and the Retail Institute at Leeds Beckett University, where she has translated her academic knowledge into professional contexts.
Hadi Kazemi
Hadi Kazemi is a Senior Lecturer in Project Management based in the School of Built Environment and Engineering at Leeds Beckett University. His research interests include systems theory in project management, Industry 4.0 and sustainability. He has spent most of his career working as an operations and project manager in the construction and manufacturing sectors.