Digital supply chain research trends: a systematic review and a maturity model for adoption

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates the enablers and challenges of digital supply chains (DSCs) adoption and develops a digital supply chain maturity (DSCM) model as a basis for developing guidelines for DSC adoption in the digital transformation journey.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involves a systematic literature review (SLR) of Industry 4.0 (I4) adoption in supply chain (SC) practices to identify key enablers and associated maturity levels. The literature search of published articles during the 1997–2020 period and subsequent screening resulted in 64 articles. A DSCM model was developed using the categorization of important enablers and associated levels transitioning from the traditional SC to the DSC ecosystem.

Findings

Four broader categories of DSC enablers and challenges were identified from the content analysis of SLR. Digital strategy alongside I4 technologies and human capital were prominent in DSC adoption as I4 technologies and human capital depend on other enablers such as dynamic capabilities (DCs). Lack of infrastructure and financial constraints to implementing I4 were significant challenges in the DSC adoption.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed DSCM model provides a holistic view of enablers and maturity levels from traditional SC to DSC adoption. However, the DSCM model needs to be empirically validated and streamlined further using inputs from practitioners.

Practical implications

The proposed DSCM model can be used as a framework to guide practitioners in assessing maturity and developing implementation plans for successful DSC adoption.

Originality/value

This research introduces a novel DSC maturity model through a holistic view of enablers and maturity levels from traditional SC to DSC adoption.

Citation

Weerabahu, W.M.S.K., Samaranayake, P., Nakandala, D. and Hurriyet, H. (2023), "Digital supply chain research trends: a systematic review and a maturity model for adoption", Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. 30 No. 9, pp. 3040-3066. https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-12-2021-0782