Digitalization and industry 4.0 within the supply chain: a review of contributions and barriers

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the contributions and barriers of digitalization and industry 4.0 within supply chain (SC). The paper performs a systematic literature review through the management research data bases published between the period of 2012 and January 2021. The paper shows that digitization and Industry 4.0 improve firm information system, enhance management processes and insure competitiveness. However, it also found that the stigmas left by previous technologies, the lack of industry specific guidelines, lack of digital skills and talents, or lack of top management commitment prevent the adoption of these technologies in the SC. The choice made by limiting analysis on the HCERES journals restricts the scope and future analysis should enlarge the area.