Impact of Industry 4.0 on Supply Chain Sustainability

This chapter explores the symbiotic relationship between digitalization and sustainability in the context of Industry 4.0. Examining key technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT), this chapter unveils their transformative impact on industries, emphasizing the role of data-driven decision-making, supply chain transparency, and circular economy principles. Real-world case studies illustrate successful implementations, showcasing how organizations leverage digital twins, blockchain for supply chain transparency, and extended reality for sustainable training. The regulatory landscape emerges as a crucial factor, shaping the adoption of digital technologies for sustainability, while emerging trends like 5G, edge computing, and AI promise to redefine the future. As a conclusion, policymakers are urged to strike a balance between innovation and regulation, fostering an environment conducive to responsible digital practices. Industries are encouraged to embrace emerging trends, and researchers are invited to explore the synergies between 5G, edge computing, and AI for holistic sustainability solutions. Together, these efforts aim to propel Industry 4.0 toward a resilient and sustainable future.

This chapter examines the integration of Industry 4.0 (IR 4.0) technologies and sustainability, proposing a people-centric strategy to align industrial progress with environmental responsibility. Through a synthesis of scholarly insights and practical applications, we delve into the potential of Industry 4.0 to drive economic, social, legal, and environmental sustainability while addressing key challenges and limitations. Acknowledging these obstacles associated with IR 4.0 implementation, including employment displacement and data security risks, we advocate for collaborative efforts among governments, businesses, and society, highlighting the imperative of optimizing the advantages conferred by IR 4.0 while mitigating its adverse effects on sustainability. It calls for strategic investments in education, innovation, and social protection mechanisms to navigate this transition while ensuring equitable and sustainable development for all stakeholders. As these technologies intertwine, it becomes increasingly crucial to establish regulatory frameworks that can endorse the “rule of law” in this ever-evolving legal landscape. Ensuring fairness and effectiveness in regulation is key to navigating this emergent reality. Through fostering synergistic partnerships, embracing sustainable methodologies, and ensuring that the promise of IR 4.0 is realized without sacrificing the fundamental principles of fairness, justice, and human rights, we can envision a future where innovation thrives in harmony with sustainability principles, paving the way for inclusive prosperity.

This chapter examines the way in which Industry 4.0 will revolutionize achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study provides insights on the relationship between global sustainability goals and cutting-edge technologies like automation, artificial intelligence and the internet of things; it looks at how Industry 4.0 may spur innovation, job creation and economic growth while tackling environmental issues. Also, this study analyses how Industry 4.0 can be used as a catalyst for positive change, in line with the larger vision of a sustainable and inclusive future, from navigating obstacles like job displacement and cybersecurity risks to presenting opportunities through policy frameworks and stakeholder collaboration. The results of this chapter shed light on the usage of technology in addressing global issues like poverty, inequality, climate change and sustainable economic growth and in turn the achievement of SDGs. The study discusses in detail about the implications for policymakers on the impact of Industry 4.0 on SDG 8 and SDG 12 and the risks associated with using Industry 4.0 to achieve the SDGs like job displacement, cybersecurity risks and ethical and legal challenges. The managerial implications of this study are numerous including increasing the skilled workforce and enhancing transparency, traceability and environmental performance across the whole supply chain. The study finally concludes by examining the potential prospects and future trends of Industry 4.0 and its integration with the SDGs.

The purpose of the present study is to synthesize and organize the existing literature on sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) challenges and potential solutions to overcome these challenges. The four-step research method has been used to collect and analyze pertinent literature, define the unit of analysis, select the classification context, collect publications, and evaluate the material. The study found 10 prevalent SSCM challenges and 18 potential solutions to overcome these challenges. By implementing these solutions, organizations can implement SSCM practices and contribute to achieving various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study significantly contributes to stakeholder theory, triple bottom-line theory, and resource-based view theory. The current study provides insights to managers working in supply chain management on SSCM implementation. Furthermore, the study also has practical implications for academicians and policymakers. This study is the first of its kind to amalgamate the SSCM challenges and solutions to overcome these challenges in a single framework by reviewing the literature.

This study explores technology trends and challenges in the liner shipping industry through the lens of blockchain technology, addressing gaps in the literature with a comprehensive analysis. By examining blockchain applications in shipping and port contexts, the research fills a significant void, covering trend identification, legal considerations, and implementation challenges. This study extends to examining links between current blockchain projects, revealing trends and challenges in technology applications. The conclusion synthesizes implications and future trajectories of this transformative technology within the broader context of Industry 4.0, positioning this research at the forefront of advancements in maritime technology and supply chain management (SCM).

Introduction: Globalization and customer expectations have made managing the supply chain challenging. Blockchain technology has enhanced visibility, accountability, and safety in supply Chain management (SCM), which helps overcome various issues. The research aims to provide insight into Blockchain technology for improving supply chains toward sustainability in the retail sector. This study describes how clients and merchants in various retail business activities may significantly utilize Blockchain technology. From manufacturer to consumer, blockchain can track materials. It ensures product authenticity, transparency, and retail supply chain trust. Retail items are tracked before they reach customers to assess quality and discard expired items, building client confidence. Retail personnel’ SC (Supply Chain) blockchain adoption aspirations are examined in this study.

Methodology: This study validates SCM blockchain adoption using an adjusted UTUAT (Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology) model. This study examines how blockchain adoption improves employee performance using the UTUAT Model. Data was evaluated using exploratory factor and structural equation modeling.

Result: Behavioural intention was significantly associated with BCT (Block Chain Technology) in retail SCM.

Practical Implications: The following factors influence the behavioral intent to utilize the technology: performance expectations, affect expectations, subjective standards, and favorable conditions, which have a significant impact on adoption.

Conclusion: Performance and effort assumptions affect SCM blockchain adoption behavior.

Supply chain management (SCM) has evolved to fulfill the demands of the dynamic global business environment. The development of the Internet of Things (IoT), which offers unmatched connectivity and real-time data insights, has further transformed SCM. This chapter provides an overview of SCM development and its integration with IoTs. This integration led to improved inventory control, supply chain optimization (SCO), and visibility which further enhances the conventional SCM and provides benefits, such as more accurate real-time tracking and monitoring, improved data analytics, more efficient logistics and transportation management, and reduced costs and wastages. However, despite these benefits, there are various associated challenges and concerns, like privacy and data security, compatibility and interoperability, implementation costs, returns on investment, trained workforce, and training requirements, which are required to be addressed. Additionally, the outcomes of this study and managerial implications are provided along with the future research scope. Overall, this chapter provides valuable insight into the transformative potential of IoT in SCM and practical suggestions on how managers can successfully navigate difficulties and get benefits from the IoT-SCM integration. Organizations can enhance their supply chain operations, efficiency, and innovation by actively confronting challenges and taking advantage of the opportunities provided by IoT technologies. This will ultimately result in the delivery of greater value to both stakeholders and customers.

This chapter seeks to explain the manufacturing industries that have gone a lot of transformation in recent years. The changes were brought as a result of implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies. The aim of this chapter is to study Smart Manufacturing (SM) and to implement Industry 4.0 in a Sustainable Supply Chain. The study is qualitative which employs secondary sources of data. The data of the study were sourced from relevant published articles from 2017 to 23. Also the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results of the study revealed that, artificial intelligence (AI) Models, Cloud Connection, Smart Product, standard communication, cyber-physical system (CPS), virtual system builder among others are the requirements for adopting SM. While Augmented Reality (AR), 3D Printing, Big Data Analytics, AI, Internet of Things (IoT), among others are the major 14.0 technologies that enable Smart Manufacturing System (SMS). However, security issues, system integration, interoperability, multilingualism, standard interface, data quality, privacy concern, investment concern are the major challenges of implementing SMS for sustainable supply chain. This study concluded that, implementing SM in sustainable supply chain have significantly improved company's productivity, innovation, efficiency, effectiveness, cost-effective manufacturing operations as well as sustainable management.

Green supply chain (GSC) modelling is still evolving, yet according to the literature, there is no standard and comprehensive approach for modelling GSCs. This chapter attempts to examine this remarkable gap in research by proposing a standard approach for industrial supply chain (SC) modelling, which allows integrating all relevant environmental constraints. This new approach is inspired from other methodologies proposed earlier regardless of their area of study and implemented via a case study in fish canning industry. The steps of the proposed approach are based on Artificial Intelligence (AI), which has become a mainstream trend nowadays. The proposed approach may help managers and researchers and could provide a guideline for GSC modelling.

With the most recent change in the industrial model toward the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0, the advancements in digitalization and information and communication technology (ICT) have opened up opportunities for a smart logistics revolution. A comprehensive conceptualization that directs the rapidly approaching structural shift in reverse logistics is currently lacking, despite the fact that the research has been focusing intensively on improving the intelligence, autonomy, and connection of isolated logistical operations with an emphasis on the forward channels. To address this gap, this conceptual chapter offers a thorough analysis of the technological implications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the reverse logistics process in addition to a comprehensive definition of reverse logistics 4.0.

This chapter explores the dynamic intersection of reverse logistics, closed-loop systems, and Industry 4.0 technologies within the supply chains of the United Arab Emirates. By explicating the critical role of Industry 4.0, in the promotion of sustainability, the goal of this chapter is to facilitate UAE supply chain participants to adopt creative approaches to sustainable resource management. This study also contributes to the wider global discussion on sustainable supply chain management techniques, opening avenues for an ecologically friendly and resource-conscious industrial environment in the United Arab Emirates.

Aligning industrial operations with sustainable development has become a pressing need for organizations, as they recognize the mounting environmental challenges, social inequalities and resources scarcity. The transformations brought by the industry 4.0 have revolutionized supply chain operations to achieve sustainability and circularity. The aim of this chapter is to explore and map the supply chain 4.0 opportunities for sustainability. An extensive literature review of theoretical and empirical studies linking the supply chain 4.0 technologies and sustainability is conducted. Descriptive and content analysis are employed to scrutinize and categorize the knowledge extracted from the literature. Then, a conceptual framework is developed to highlight the role that each technology plays in promoting sustainability and circularity in the context of supply chain. This study provides new perspectives for theoretical researches and guide decision-makers to implement sustainability-based technologies in the supply chain 4.0. Future research can investigate the opportunities of supply chain 5.0 for social sustainability and circular business model.

Industry 4.0 (I4.0), the Fourth Industrial Revolution, integrates Big Data analytics, blockchain, cloud computing, digitisation and the Internet of Things to enhance supply chain (SC) activities and achieve sustainable growth through dynamic capabilities (DCs). This approach equips businesses with the necessary tools to optimise their operations and remain competitive in a dynamic business environment. The value proposition of a business encompasses a wide range of activities that add value at each stage. By leveraging DCs, a firm can achieve innovation, gain a competitive advantage and enhance its adaptability. Conversely, effective value chain management can amplify the influence of a firm's DCs on SC sustainability, by reducing waste, optimising resource utilisation and fostering strategic partnerships. This mutually beneficial connection takes the form of a dynamic interaction in which I4.0 technologies act as a catalyst to help organisations become more resilient, adaptive and responsive. The adoption of these technologies denotes a comprehensive approach to business shift, not merely technical integration. I4.0 has an impact on several organisational disciplines outside of manufacturing, from automation and efficiency advantages to quality enhancements. This chapter offers an extensive literature review to explore the level of SC sustainability that a business can achieve by combining its DCs and implementing strategic I4.0 adoption. The function of value chain management in moderating the effects of I4.0 and DCs on SC sustainability is also assessed. This study proposes a theoretical model that is grounded in the insights extracted from the literature review.

This chapter explores the strategic integration of Industry 4.0 technologies within the SA8000 audit framework, which marks a transformative shift in ethical and socially responsible practices. Released by Social Accountability International (SAI), SA8000 is a social accountability standard highly relevant in addressing labor-related issues, exerting a pivotal influence on the management of companies and supply chain sustainability. By illustrating how technology can significantly enhance efficiency, transparency, and efficacy in conducting SA8000 audits, data analytics, IoT devices, AI, and blockchain will be used in this chapter. The chapter's recommendations for managers, auditors, and employees point toward strategic management of resources, collaborative activities across different departments, and improving digital competencies. The discussion makes out a clear pathway for the effective application of Industry 4.0 in the SA8000 auditing practices, enhancing sustainability, ethics, and streamlined auditing practices that would significantly contribute to the comprehensive goals of corporate sustainability and social responsibility in today's digital era.

The advent of Industry 4.0 (I4.0), characterised by rapid technological advancement, presents a transformative opportunity for companies to adapt and innovate in all aspects of life. However, I4.0 also ushers in challenges related to resource scarcity, waste generation, pollution and sustainability concerns, particularly in operations and supply chain management (OSCM). Despite the growing importance of I4.0 for supply chain sustainability, more research must be conducted on the processes required to foster sustainable innovation through these technologies. This study aims to bridge this gap by exploring the role of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods in evaluating the factors that affect sustainable digitalisation within OSCM. The research analyses how MCDM methods can facilitate sustainable digitalisation in OSCM, the primary MCDM methods used for sustainable digitalisation in OSCM and the key indicators for measuring sustainable digitalisation in OSCM. Therefore, this study offers a unique contribution by exploring the uncharted territory of MCDM methods in the context of I4.0 and sustainability within OSCM, shedding light on essential indicators for this critical transformation, and equipping managers with the knowledge needed to steer their organisations towards a sustainable digital future.

Historically, global events have always provided a setback to the existing mechanism of any business operation. The magnitude of such variation may be different from industry to industry but sustainable outlook afterwards any global crisis calls for a re-look into strategies. Similar experience persisted when sudden drop of brick-and-mortar stores during corona crisis came into picture. Post corona, the entire working style of supply chain companies revisited a virtual set-up. The delivery partners like Dunzo, Blinkit, Zypp, Delhivery, Ecomexpress have transformed the way logistics used to work before COVID-19. On the other hand, recent Russia–Ukraine war has posed further global challenges like that of food shortage, supply challenges, global inflation, recessionary trends worldwide. An investor earlier confident of exponential wealth creation in supply chain companies may have to rethink about resilient strategies while creating a portfolio with companies from supply chain industry. In the present study, a comparative analysis has been made by use of exponential Generalized AutoRegressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model to explore the impact of both these crisis on returns from supply chain companies. The output of this chapter shall be beneficial for investors, asset management companies, investment brokers and other portfolio managers.

Recently, sustainability has emerged as a critical issue leading to substantial pressures on organizations. The integration of advanced technologies in the supply chain is supposed to enhance economic, environmental and social performance. However, several challenges are hindering the achievement of global sustainability. The purpose of this chapter is to analyze the challenges of supply chain 4.0 for sustainability and propose alternative solutions. A total of 14 challenges are identified and organized into clusters through extensive literature review and Delphi approach. With experts’ help, Best–Worst Method is used to provide the global and the local ranking of these challenges. Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory method is employed to analyze the interactions between the most 10 relevant barriers. Next, a framework of alternative solutions is proposed to overcome these challenges. Sensitivity analysis is performed to validate the robustness of the proposed framework. This study provides new insights regarding the sustainability of supply chain 4.0 and the important solutions to overcome the associated challenges. The outcomes can assist decisions-makers to improve sustainability through adopting advanced technologies. Future research can integrate the benefits of industry 5.0 to the proposed framework.

Due to increasing socio-ecological concerns, manufacturers are paying ample attention to the strategic decision-making for enhancing customer satisfaction considering Industry 4.0 requirements. Customers' preferences are being considered vital into the decisions related to sustainable supplier selection for building competitive gain. Thus, the objective of this study is to develop a real-case-based empirical approach for evaluating performance of suppliers based on customers' feedback, an area not explored much in literature. The novelty of current study lies in the development of an integrated supplier evaluation and selection model involving three phases: (1) identifying sustainable criteria according to Industry 4.0 requirement through customers' feedback, (2) calculating relative scores of criteria using Z-numbers and (3) determining evaluation weights of suppliers using fuzzy-TOPSIS. The contribution of the study lies in effective validation of the model by considering the case of a manufacturing firm, which aids the firm in evaluating performance of suppliers based on customers' socio-ecological expectations while considering reliable information provided by decision-makers (DMs).

In the framework of Industry 4.0, the study seeks to clarify the intricate connection between modern digitalization and sustainability and the ways in which these developing technologies support sustainable practices in the societal, environmental and economic spheres. Utilizing a conceptual framework, this study integrates insights from existing literature and provides a structured investigation to explore the impact of Industry 4.0 technologies, including smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence, the internet of things (IoT) and blockchain, on sustainability. The research reveals that the integration of environmental, social, economic and human aspects of sustainability. The study emphasizes how these elements support Industry 4.0 by encouraging moral and sustainable business practices. The insights derived from this research offer practical implications for policymakers, industry leaders and researchers. By understanding the symbiotic relationship between digitalization and sustainability, stakeholders can formulate strategies that leverage new-age technologies to achieve optimal efficiency while ensuring ethical and sustainable business practices. The originality lies in the holistic approach to understanding the environmental, social and economic dimensions impacted by new-age digitalization offering a comprehensive examination of the interplay between Industry 4.0 and sustainability.

In this age of unprecedented technological advancements and rapid digitalization, organizations across the globe are faced with the imperative to evolve or risk obsolescence. It has been witnessed that digital transformation has played a pivotal role in driving organizational change, reshaping the way businesses operate and redefining the relationships they foster with their stakeholders. Supply chain management is no exception as digital transformation can pave the way for sustainable supply chains. This chapter investigates the impact which various digital transformation enablers have in the Indian SMEs and further evaluates the effect of digital transformation on the three dimensions of sustainability envisaged by the triple bottom line approach. Results from the PLS-SEM analysis show that technological, organizational and environmental factors play a significant role in successful digital transformation in SMEs. Digital transformation influences the three sustainability dimensions positively. Findings have important theoretical as well as practical implications for achieving economic, social and environmental sustainability in supply chain.