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Understanding the Role of Digital Technologies in Supply Chain Management of SMEs

In: Digital Transformation in Industry

Author

Listed:
  • Shashank Bansal

    (University of Bristol, Beacon House)

  • Vikas Kumar

    (Birmingham City University
    Department of Management Studies, Graphic Era Deemed to be University)

  • Archana Kumari

    (University of the West of England)

  • Evgeny Kuzmin

    (Russian Academy of Sciences)

Abstract

The proliferation of industry 4.0, often known as digital technologies, over the last decade has enabled new business models, the digitalisation of products and services, and the integration of every link in the company’s value chain: product development and innovation, manufacturing, distribution, digital sales, and customer relationship management. This paper aims to magnify and accelerate the impact offered by integrating the most recent advances in the field of supply chain management. Following a qualitative interviewing approach, this paper explores whether digital technologies can enable or enhance and streamline small and medium enterprises (SMEs) digital supply chain performance. This study also reviews potential barriers to digitalising the supply chain and suggests ways to overcome them. The study shows that digital adoption helps organizations improve data security, connectivity with supply chain partners, traceability, and supply and demand management capabilities. Literature review and interviews identified cost savings, responsiveness, quality improvement, and environmental benefits as key factors driving technology adoption. On the contrary, a lack of clearly defined goals, cultural issues, high investment, a shortage of skilled labor and legal uncertainty have been identified as barriers to the successful implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Shashank Bansal & Vikas Kumar & Archana Kumari & Evgeny Kuzmin, 2023. "Understanding the Role of Digital Technologies in Supply Chain Management of SMEs," Lecture Notes in Information Systems and Organization, in: Vikas Kumar & Grigorios L. Kyriakopoulos & Victoria Akberdina & Evgeny Kuzmin (ed.), Digital Transformation in Industry, pages 195-205, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:lnichp:978-3-031-30351-7_16
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-30351-7_16
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