Published April 30, 2025 | Version CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0
Journal article Open

SCM 4.0 Excellence: A Strategic Framework for Smart and Competitive Supply Chains

Creators

  • 1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shubra, Benha University, Cairo, Egypt.

Description

Abstract: The rapid advancement of Industry 4.0 is transforming Supply Chain Management (SCM) through the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, Big Data, Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), Digital Twins, and Autonomous Systems. These technologies are reshaping traditional supply chains into intelligent, interconnected, and self-optimizing ecosystems, enabling real-time visibility, predictive analytics, automation, and resilience—critical for navigating today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) business landscape. This paper presents a strategic framework for achieving SCM 4.0 excellence through the structured deployment of Industry 4.0 technologies. The framework integrates AI-driven demand forecasting for agility, blockchain-enabled transactions for transparency, digital twins for real-time process optimization, autonomous logistics for smart transportation, and predictive maintenance for asset reliability. To ensure structured and measurable transformation, it incorporates Lean and Agile principles, the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)—enabling data-driven decision-making, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement. Beyond technological advancements, this study examines key adoption challenges, including systems interoperability, cybersecurity threats, workforce reskilling, data governance, and organizational resistance to change. It underscores the need for strategic alignment between digital transformation initiatives and business objectives to ensure seamless integration, adaptability, and longterm sustainability. By providing practical insights, implementation roadmaps, and real-world case studies, this research serves as a valuable resource for industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers. The findings demonstrate that SCM 4.0 enhances efficiency, reduces costs, optimizes inventory, strengthens resilience, and improves demand forecasting— securing a sustainable competitive advantage. As global supply chains become increasingly complex and interconnected, this study highlights the imperative for businesses to embrace digitalization, intelligent automation, and data-driven strategies to remain agile, resilient, and competitive in the next industrial era.

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Additional details

Identifiers

DOI
10.35940/ijmh.G1798.11080425
EISSN
2394-0913

Dates

Accepted
2025-04-15
Manuscript Received on 11 February 2025 | First Revised Manuscript Received on 17 February 2025 | Second Revised Manuscript Received on 22 March 2025 | Manuscript Accepted on 15 April 2025 | Manuscript published on 30 April 2025.

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