Industry 4.0 and digital supply chain capabilities: A framework for understanding digitalisation challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Purpose

The Industry 4.0 phenomenon is bringing unprecedented disruptions for all traditional business models and hastening the need for a redesign and digitisation of activities. In this context, the literature concerning the digital supply chain (DSC) and its capabilities are in the early stages. To bridge this gap, the purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for digital supply chain capabilities (DSCCs).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a narrative literature approach, based on the main Industry 4.0 elements, supply chain and the emerging literature concerning DSC disruptions, to build an integrative framework to shed light on DSCCs.

Findings

The study identifies seven basic capabilities that shape the DSCC framework and six main enabler technologies, derived from 13 propositions.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed framework can bring valuable insights for future research development, although it has not been tested yet.

Practical implications

Managers, practitioners and all involved in the digitalisation phenomenon can utilise the framework as a starting point for other business digitalisation projects.

Originality/value

This study contributes to advancing the DSC literature, providing a well-articulated discussion and a framework regarding the capabilities, as well as 13 propositions that can generate valuable insights for other studies.

Citation

Queiroz, M.M., Pereira, S.C.F., Telles, R. and Machado, M.C. (2021), "Industry 4.0 and digital supply chain capabilities: A framework for understanding digitalisation challenges and opportunities", Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. 28 No. 5, pp. 1761-1782. https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-12-2018-0435