Industry 4.0 and the Future of Supply Chains: A Narrative Review of Digital Integration
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61978/logistica.v2i3.1056Keywords:
Industry 4.0, Digital Supply Chain, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Supply Chain Resilience, SustainabilityAbstract
The rapid emergence of Industry 4.0 has reshaped supply chain management by introducing advanced digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, Internet of Things, and big data analytics. This study aims to explore how the integration of these technologies influences efficiency, resilience, and sustainability in global supply chains. A systematic literature review was conducted using major academic databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, applying carefully selected keywords to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and 2025. Inclusion criteria focused on empirical, conceptual, and review studies addressing digital transformation in supply chain management, while irrelevant and non-peer-reviewed sources were excluded. Results indicate that IoT improves real-time visibility, AI enhances demand forecasting and risk management, blockchain strengthens transparency and trust, and big data analytics provides actionable insights for strategic decision-making. Collectively, these technologies reduce costs, mitigate risks, and support environmental sustainability by reducing waste, emissions, and inefficiencies. However, the findings also reveal systemic barriers, including inadequate infrastructure, limited resources in developing economies, regulatory inconsistencies, and organizational resistance to change. The discussion emphasizes the importance of supportive policies, public–private collaboration, and organizational cultural shifts to enable effective adoption. While theoretical models of digital supply chains are validated, empirical gaps remain, particularly concerning interoperability and long-term impacts. Future research should pursue longitudinal and sector-specific studies to address these limitations. Overall, digital transformation emerges as both a strategic necessity and a pathway toward inclusive, resilient, and sustainable supply chain management.
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