Challenges and requirements for developing data architecture supporting integration of sustainable supply chains

Abstract

Information asymmetry between consumers and supply chain actors represents a major barrier to the expansion of sustainable consumption. Developing an interoperable data architecture that enables the integration of data regarding sustainability practices from disparate sources in sustainable supply chains is important for improving market transparency. This paper identifies main issues and requirements as perceived by the key stakeholders in the coffee supply chain for such development. The analysis reveals that building an interoperable data architecture necessitates awareness of several major challenges, including the difficulties of collecting accurate and creditable data, limited technological capabilities, complex data ownership and disclosure policy, issues of confidentiality, privacy and economic value of information, and cost of disclosing information. To deal with these challenges, we recommend that the development need to ensure data quality, integrity and security, design information policy balancing commercial interests and openness, and design appropriate governance mechanism to complement the technological design in order to ensure the fair and proper use of the system.