Understanding 5G technology for future supply chain management

ABSTRACT

The high bandwidth and low latency features of 5G network are perceived to offer a unified platform for multiple device connectivity in real time. Despite the promising benefits of disruptive 5G wireless technology, literature on 5G-enabled supply chain management is scarce. The paper, therefore, explores the role of 5G and its impact on supply chain management through a systematic literature review. Various aspects of 5G technologies in an environment of Industry 4.0, Supply Chain 4.0 and supply chain processes are discussed. Bibliometric results reveal that 5G-enabled supply chain management is a very recent topic and published in a very limited way. We find that most studies have focussed on technical features of emerging 5G and its impact being conceptualised on Industry 4.0 and Supply Chain 4.0. Areas of future supply chain management research that can support 5G are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• 5G
• supply chain management
• supply chain integration
• Supply Chain 4.0
• Industry 4.0

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).