The Evolution from Traditional to Digital Supply Chain Management

Abstract

The world of supply chain management (SCM) has been undergoing a seismic shift, transitioning from the traditional model to a futuristic digital avatar. The digital revolution, characterized by the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain technology, and digital financial flows, is transforming how goods and services are manufactured, transported, and delivered, influencing various sectors, including the agri-food supply chain. Traditional SCM used to be linear and hierarchical, where each participant operated in silos with limited communication. The supply chain starts from raw material suppliers, followed by manufacturers, distributors, and retailers before reaching consumers. Such a system was characterized by inefficiencies, including information asymmetry, increased lead times, and lack of visibility.