Implementation of supply chain 4.0 in the food and beverage industry: perceived drivers and barriers
International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management
ISSN: 1741-0401
Article publication date: 18 February 2021
Issue publication date: 8 April 2022
Abstract
Purpose
Despite considerable growth in literature on Industry 4.0 technologies, the research on the factors influencing the investment on these technologies in pursuit of supply chain 4.0 is yet incipient. The study aims to fill this knowledge void by exploring the perceived drivers and barriers intertwined in the implementation of supply chain 4.0 in the context of food and beverage industry.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative exploratory research was employed involving 20 semi-structured interviews with senior managers from the Australian food and beverage supply chain. The interviews' data were analysed with VOSViewer software version 1.6.14.
Findings
The results unravel that reduction in supply-demand misalignment, fast-changing consumer's needs, threat of legal penalties and cost optimisation are the key drivers; whereas lack of collaboration, organisational inertia and lack of awareness are the critical barriers to implement supply chain 4.0.
Research limitations/implications
The study derives seven propositions and a theoretical framework that need to be empirically corroborated.
Practical implications
Understanding of drivers and barriers will help practitioners to make more informed decision in implementation of supply chain 4.0.
Social implications
Implementation of supply chain 4.0 can enhance the performance of the food and beverage industry, thus offering more job opportunities and sustained food supply.
Originality/value
This is the first study in exploring drivers and barriers to the implementation of supply chain 4.0; thus, adds new knowledge to the growing body of the literature. The paper introduces a novel method for qualitative data analysis contributing to the methodological development of the supply chain management field.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to the Co-Editor (Dr Luisa Huaccho Huatuco) for her prompt responses and timely processing of our paper. The authors are also thankful to the both editors for taking time to review our paper and provide feedback.
Citation
Ali, I. and Aboelmaged, M.G.S. (2022), "Implementation of supply chain 4.0 in the food and beverage industry: perceived drivers and barriers", International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 71 No. 4, pp. 1426-1443. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-07-2020-0393
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited