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Article
Publication date: 11 October 2023

Pamela J. Zelbst, Liu Yang, Kenneth W. Green and Victor E. Sower

The purpose of this paper is to assess the combined impact of the Industry 4.0 blockchain and industrial internet of things technology (IIoT) technologies on the development of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the combined impact of the Industry 4.0 blockchain and industrial internet of things technology (IIoT) technologies on the development of supply chain linkages associated with power, benefits and risk reduction and the ultimate impact of the linkages on supply chain performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural model with blockchain and IIoT as antecedents to the supply chain power, benefits and risk reduction linkages and the linkages as antecedent to supply chain performance is theorized. Data collected from 303 US manufacturing managers are analyzed using a covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB/SEM) methodology.

Findings

The CB/SEM results indicate that blockchain technology does not directly impact implementation of the linkages. Rather, implementation of blockchain technology supports implementation of IIoT technology, which strengthens supply chain linkages, thereby improving supply chain performance.

Research limitations/implications

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to provide empirical evidence that Industry 4.0 technologies such as blockchain and IIoT strengthen linkages among supply chain partners related to power, benefits and risk reduction and that those stronger linkages lead to improved supply chain performance. It should be noted that this study is based on data from managers representing only one sector (manufacturing) and one country (USA). Replication based on data from other sectors and countries is needed to support generalization of the results.

Practical implications

Practitioners are provided with empirical evidence that the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies such as blockchain and IIoT support supply chain management. These technologies facilitate data and information sharing among supply chain partners, enabling the integration and coordination of business processes throughout the entire supply chain.

Social implications

The ultimate customers of supply chains benefit when supply chain partners work together efficiently and effectively. The implementation of blockchain and IIoT digital technologies lead to improve linkages among supply chain partners driving improvements in both efficiency and effectiveness, thus benefiting customers and society.

Originality/value

Industry 4.0 technologies are relatively new with the promise of improved supply chain performance. The efficacy of Industry 4.0 technologies as mechanisms to enhance information sharing is demonstrated based on the results of this study.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 March 2023

Subhodeep Mukherjee, Manish Mohan Baral, Venkataiah Chittipaka, Ramji Nagariya and Bharat Singh Patel

This research investigates the adoption of the industrial Internet of things (IIoT) in SMEs to achieve and increase organizational performance. With the latest technology, small…

Abstract

Purpose

This research investigates the adoption of the industrial Internet of things (IIoT) in SMEs to achieve and increase organizational performance. With the latest technology, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can create a competitive edge in the market and better serve customers.

Design/methodology/approach

Twelve hypotheses are proposed for this study. This study constructed a questionnaire based on technological, organizational, environmental and human perspectives. A survey is conducted on the SMEs of India using the questionnaire.

Findings

Eight hypotheses were accepted, and four hypotheses were not supported. The hypotheses rejected are infrastructure, organizational readiness, internal excellence and prior experience. The findings suggested that adopting IIoT in SMEs will increase organizational performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study will be helpful for the manager, top management and policymakers. This study identified the areas SMEs need to work on to adopt the technologies.

Originality/value

In the literature, no article considered IIoT adoption in SME firms as a human factor. Therefore, this study is unique, including human, technological, organizational and environmental factors.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 36 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 October 2019

Pamela J. Zelbst, Kenneth W. Green, Victor E. Sower and Philip L. Bond

The purpose of this paper is to assess the combined impact of radio frequency identification (RFID), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Blockchain technologies on supply…

3879

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the combined impact of radio frequency identification (RFID), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Blockchain technologies on supply chain transparency (SCT).

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 211 US manufacturing managers is analyzed using a covariance-based structural equation modeling methodology.

Findings

The structural model fits the data relatively well. RFID technology directly and positively impact both IIoT and Blockchain technologies which, in turn, directly and positively impact SCT. RFID technology indirectly affects SCT through both IIoT technology and Blockchain technology.

Research limitations/implications

This study is the first to empirically assess the impact of RFID, IIoT and Blockchain technologies on SCT. First-wave empirical studies must be replicated to support generalization of the findings.

Practical implications

This study provides empirical evidence to support the implementation of a combination of RFID, IIoT and Blockchain technologies as infrastructure necessary to achieve end-to-end SCT.

Originality/value

New measurement scales for IIoT technology utilization and Blockchain technology utilization are developed and assessed for validity and reliability. This is the first study to assess the combined impact of RFID, IIoT and Blockchain technologies on SCT.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 June 2019

A. Seetharaman, Nitin Patwa, A.S. Saravanan and Abhishek Sharma

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how the rush of technological change will consolidate the worldwide reach of the internet with more capacity, specifically to control the…

1464

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how the rush of technological change will consolidate the worldwide reach of the internet with more capacity, specifically to control the physical world, including the machines, industrial facilities and frameworks that characterize cutting-edge technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from 203 respondents predominantly from emerging economies, specifically India and SEA. Most of the participants are working professionals. Structural equation modelling was used to analyze data, as it is a popular statistical technique because of its ability to model selected independent variables and take into account all possible forms of measurement error to test an entire theory.

Findings

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) platform comprises four fundamental capabilities: connectivity, big data, advanced analytics and application development. The IIOT has the potential to provide a high level of synergies between the 4 Ms of manufacturing, namely, man, machine, material and method.

Research limitations/implications

The collected data are predominately from India and SEA (close to 75 per cent), while contributions from other regions are comparatively less, so the findings cannot be generalized to the global context.

Practical implications

It is in the interest of service providers to collaborate and provide a universal solution to retain legacy systems to minimize the investment and reduce the security threat, which could boost IIOT adoption while ensuring that manufacturers are able to leverage this new technology efficiently.

Originality/value

The framework obtained has good quality of validity and reliability indicators. Thus, an alternative framework has been added to customer expectation which is currently a popular topic in the technological changes.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 30 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 January 2020

Nils Siegfried, Tobias Rosenthal and Alexander Benlian

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the suitability of Blockchain technology for applications in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT). It provides a taxonomy of system…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the suitability of Blockchain technology for applications in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT). It provides a taxonomy of system requirements for such applications and maps these requirements against the Blockchain’s technological idiosyncrasies.

Design/methodology/approach

A requirement taxonomy is built in an iterative process based on a descriptive literature review. In total, 223 studies have been screened leading to a relevant sample of 48 publications that were analyzed in detail regarding posed system requirements. Subsequently, Blockchain’s capabilities are discussed for each requirement dimension.

Findings

The paper presents a taxonomy of six requirement dimensions. In the mapping process, areas of greater fit (e.g., reliability, nonrepudiation and adaptability) were identified. However, there are also several constraints (e.g., scalability, confidentiality and performance) that limit the use of Blockchain.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the limited amount of studies and the vibrant development of Blockchain technology, the results may benefit from practical evidence. Researchers are encouraged to validate the results in qualitative practitioner interviews. Focusing on literature-backed public Blockchain, idiosyncrasies of private implementations and specific distributed ledger technologies may be discussed in future studies.

Practical implications

The paper includes use cases for Blockchain in manufacturing and IIOT applications. Potential caveats for practitioners are presented.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the need to understand to which degree Blockchain is a suitable technology in manufacturing, especially in context of the IIOT. It contributes a requirement taxonomy which serves as the foundation for a systematic fit assessment.

Details

Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 35 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0398

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 June 2021

Da Kang, M. Prabhu, Ramyar Rzgar Ahmed, Zhuo Zhang and Atul Kumar Sahu

In the present era, executives are shifting keenly toward industrial Internet of things (IIoTs) spheres. It is observed that IIoTs spheres become a key for each industry to grow…

Abstract

Purpose

In the present era, executives are shifting keenly toward industrial Internet of things (IIoTs) spheres. It is observed that IIoTs spheres become a key for each industry to grow up and bear the largest entrepreneurship opportunities globally and is linked to improve the shifting sphere of publics (SSPs). The core objective of research work is SSPs, which is nexus on secondary objectives. The authors proposed the two DSSs ( decision support systems) to full fill secondary objectives as discussing: In case of first objective, the authors proposed a fuzzy-DSS, which assists the executives to identify the weak and poor performing IIoTs spheres so that performance of IIoTs spheres can be accelerated. In case of second objective, grey-DSS aids the same executives to evaluate and benchmark alternative partner under considered IIoTs spheres so that the best partner can be chosen by company 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted the significant systematic literature review and realistic empirical survey in the context of industry IIoTs spheres and extract the appropriate IIoTs spheres. Next, the authors built a framework by compiling the global standardized IIoTs spheres. The framework is utilized to build the two DSSs such as fuzzy- and grey-DSS (to full fill secondary objectives). The both DSSs are simulated by acting on a case study. The authors implemented the fuzzy set coupled with degree of similarity approach on proposing framework as a part of first case-objective and hybrid technique accompanied with grey set on same framework as a part of second case-objective, respectively.

Findings

A South African automobile parts manufacturing company is investigated as a case study company 4.0 for the prototype testing and simulation of DSSs. The performance gaps are computed and measured by subtracting each sphere's weight of functional units (FUs) from evaluated ideal weight. The weak performing spheres and FUs are suggested to be improved in future as a part of first objective. Next, A3 parts supplier/partner is advised as the best alternative by simulating the grey-DSS under IIoTs framework as a part of second case-objective. Both secondary objectives (two DSSs) are framed to attain the core objective (SSPs).

Originality/value

As discussed, the core objective of research work is to attain the SSPs, linked to secondary objectives. The research work integrates the knowledge and thinking of SSPs as well as IIoTs researchers to create the novel mathematical and statistical IIoTs in focusing on advance SSPs networks. The research work is momentous for entire Industry 4.0 companies, which troubles to bear more entrepreneurship opportunities (improving the SSPs) at global standard.

Article
Publication date: 29 April 2021

Patricia Deflorin, Maike Scherrer and Katrin Schillo

The coordination of a manufacturing network is a challenging task and may be contingent upon the manufacturing environment. The purpose of this paper is to analyse how industrial…

Abstract

Purpose

The coordination of a manufacturing network is a challenging task and may be contingent upon the manufacturing environment. The purpose of this paper is to analyse how industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and manufacturing network coordination relate.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a single case study, the paper at hand provides insights on IIoT enablers and the relationship to manufacturing coordination mechanism. The data sample is based on 15 group interviews with overall eight employees from headquarters and business units.

Findings

The derived results show that the IIoT enablers (digital technologies, connectivity, data, capabilities and management) are highly related to the manufacturing network coordination mechanism. The results indicate that IIoT initiatives and manufacturing network coordination should be designed to support each other.

Originality/value

The implementation if IIoT initiatives is often analysed in isolation without considering the manufacturing network and more specifically the manufacturing network coordination mechanism. The results highlight how the implementation of IIoT initiatives may act as trigger to adapt formal manufacturing network coordination mechanism.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 32 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2021

Ravinder Kumar, Rahul Sindhwani and Punj Lata Singh

The purpose of this methodology is to categorise the challenges into cause and effect group. The modern scenario of customization, personalization and multi-restrictive working…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this methodology is to categorise the challenges into cause and effect group. The modern scenario of customization, personalization and multi-restrictive working because of pandemics has affected the operations of manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In the new normal, the digitalization of manufacturing SMEs can be the path breaker. Modern digitalization includes a mix of technologies such as the industrial internet of things (IIoT), the internet of things, cyber-physical system and big data analytics. This digitalization can help in achieving new design changes, efficient production scheduling, smart manufacturing and unrestricted on-time delivery of quality products. This research paper aims to recognize and analyze the challenges faced while implementing IIoT technologies in manufacturing SMEs and tries to find the possibility of mitigating challenges by blockchain technology.

Design/methodology/approach

There were ten challenges of IIoT implementation identified from the literature review and experts’ opinions. To collect information from Indian manufacturing SMEs, a survey tool was formed in the form of a questionnaire. On the fundament of responses received from industrial experts, the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique has been used for categorizing these challenges into cause and effect groups. Further, the authors tried to mitigate observed challenges with the help of blockchain technology.

Findings

With the implementation of IIoT technologies, the manufacturing processes become conciliatory, effective and traceable in real time. Observation of the current study states that the top effect group challenges such as the security of data and reliability of technologies can be mitigated by enabling blockchain technologies. The authors conclude that blockchain-enabled IIoT technologies will be highly beneficial for the Indian SMEs strategically and practically in the current scenario.

Research limitations/implications

Methodology of DEMATEL focuses on responses received from experts. The broader approach of survey from manufacturing organizations is compromised due to small sample size in this methodology. Experts approached for survey were from manufacturing SMEs of Delhi National Capital Region only. Broader survey-based techniques may be applied covering different sectors of SMEs in future work.

Practical implications

Technologies such as blockchain can facilitate advanced security in the application of IIoT and other such practices. While dealing with significant issues and challenges of new technologies, blockchain gives an edge of balance in the current scenario. Its properties of fixity, temper evident and circumvent fraud make this technology ideal for the digitalization of the manufacturing systems in SMEs.

Originality/value

Digitalization of manufacturing facilities is the need of the hour. Pandemic challenges have highlighted the urgency of it. This research will motivate and guide the manufacturing SMEs in planning strategies and long-term policies in implementing modern technologies and coping up with the pandemic challenges.

Details

Journal of Global Operations and Strategic Sourcing, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5364

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 June 2023

Ayman Wael Al-Khatib

Sustainable management has become a strategic and popular requirement for stakeholders, as the ability to create competitive advantages in the current dynamic business environment…

Abstract

Purpose

Sustainable management has become a strategic and popular requirement for stakeholders, as the ability to create competitive advantages in the current dynamic business environment and the pressures of digital transformation need to be increased attention in achieving the highest level of sustainable performance. The main objective of this paper is to explore the direct effects of the industrial Internet of things and supply chain visibility on sustainable performance (economic performance, environmental performance and social performance), in addition to evaluating the indirect effects that supply chain visibility plays in these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the purposes and objectives of this work, a conceptual model was developed by referring to the current works in the literature, and the theoretical model was developed, and then data were collected through the questionnaire and by the snowball sampling method, as 380 questionnaires were used. In the data analysis, the multivariate analysis technique was used via Covariance-based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM), as hypothesized relationships were evaluated through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and then the hypotheses were tested through a structural model.

Findings

The results reached the acceptance of all hypotheses, and this means that all hypothesized relationships were positive, as the impact of the industrial Internet of things was positive on each of the supply chain visibility and economic performance, environmental performance and social performance, and also the supply chain visibility mediated the relationship between each of the industrial Internet of things and economic performance, environmental performance and social performance.

Originality/value

The current paper reported a range of theoretical and practical contributions, as this study is the first to examine these hypothesized relationships together in this way and thus helped this study to develop new perceptions about Industry 4.0 technologies and their potential impacts on supply chain and sustainable performance. Also, this study had a variety of management recommendations that allow managers of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies operating in Jordan to develop their technological capabilities and use them to enhance sustainable performance.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 29 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 July 2023

Shafique Ur Rehman, Muhammad Usman, Yudi Fernando, Diyana Kamarudin and Abdul Waheed

This paper aims to model the mediating effects of facilitating conditions and innovativeness in the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and blockchain technology (BT) on…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to model the mediating effects of facilitating conditions and innovativeness in the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and blockchain technology (BT) on manufacturing supply chain performance (MSCP).

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least square structural equation modelling was used to test the goodness of the model fit and hypotheses by using SmartPLS 3.3.3. Data was collected from 464 managers in Pakistan’s automotive industry through a stratified random sampling technique.

Findings

IIoT, BT, facilitating conditions and innovativeness significantly enhanced the MSCP. Therefore, the mediation between facilitating conditions and innovativeness to IIoT and BT adoption was significant in the MSCP.

Practical implications

The adoption of digital technology to improve the MSCP can assist companies in reducing the cost of complex procurement, production and distribution processes through secured and efficient operations. Furthermore, organisations must establish a conducive atmosphere that fosters experimentation, collaboration and resource allocation towards technological advancements to capitalise on the advantages of these technologies effectively.

Originality/value

This study developed a research model integrating IIoT technology, BT, facilitating conditions and innovativeness to determine the MSCP under the resource-based view theory. The outcome of this study could help organisations design a framework to improve supply chain performance by integrating innovativeness.

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4620

Keywords

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