Digital project driven supply chains: a new paradigm

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to propose an integrated framework for digital project-driven supply chains (PDSC) to address multiple objectives in Architecture, Engineering, Construction and, Operations and Maintenance (AECO) value chain. Additionally, the following sub-objectives were also to be addressed: to assess emerging themes of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies in AECO and to identify lacunae in existing project supply chains. Design/methodology/approach The research relies on qualitative approaches and mixed methodologies, for building theories based on domain expert interviews and questionnaire surveys administered on industry professionals. Hypothesis testing has been used to analyze data and identify significant 4IR technology applications and evolve a PDSC framework to address multiple objectives in the AECO context. Findings 4IR technologies can completely revolutionize AECO supply chains and catapult the discipline into a completely new paradigm. The immense computing power unleashed can contribute to enhancing effectiveness in delivery. Technologies such as the Internet of Things, Internet of Services, Cloud Computing, Big Data, Smart Factory, 3 D-Printing, Cyber-Physical Systems or Embedded Systems, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Robotics hold immense future potential. The study proposes an integrated framework to address the multiple objectives of improved project delivery, increased productivity and cost savings, activity monitoring, reporting and agility, better workflow processes and reduction of wastage. Research limitations/implications The study offers ideas for complete integration of the AECO supply chain to deliver value to end customers. It, however, relies on opinions, perspectives and recollections of respondents, which is its limitation. Their opinion is expected to be influenced by their domain and project expertise. Practical implications In today’s global environment, information and data management is a meaningful intermediary in 4IR. It can be delivered with the aid of the cloud to collect, appraise and evaluate data efficiently; faster machine operations to manufacture quality goods at a lower cost; boost productivity; and competitiveness in AECO companies. Appropriate exchange of information and knowledge transfer will lead to innovation, effective communication in terms of frequency and quality of information; willingness to share information to improve overall performance; commitment to a common goal and mutual support; and continuous innovative effort. Originality/value This paper suggests fresh perspectives to integrated digital project-driven supply chains propelled by 4IR technologies, with a purpose to deliver multiple project objectives and end-customer value addition.

Supply chain management and industry 4.0

“…The use of augmented reality in SCM is expected to provide numerous benefits such as increased accuracy and efficiency in inventory management, improved customer satisfaction through real-time tracking of shipments, and reduced costs associated with errors in fulfillment (Akbari et al, 2022). In addition, augmented reality can provide a competitive advantage to companies that adopt it early (Bhattacharya and Chatterjee, 2022).…”

“…Despite the numerous potential benefits, there are also some challenges associated with the use of augmented reality in SCM (Akbari et al, 2022). One of the biggest challenges is the lack of standardization in augmented reality technology, which makes it difficult to develop applications that can be used across different platforms (Bhattacharya and Chatterjee, 2022). In addition, the cost of augmented reality headsets and other hardware can be prohibitive for Brazilian Journal of Operations and Production Management, Vol.…”

Impact of 4IR Technology and its Impact on the Current Deployment

“…The AI effect is a phenomenon where actions once thought to require "intelligence" is frequently taken out of the definition of AI as machines grow more and more capable. For instance, despite being a commonplace technique, optical character recognition is typically left out of the list of items that are regarded to be AI [34].…”

Industry 4.0 in purchasing and supply management : defining future roles and skills

“…Research has identified technologies that form a new industrial paradigm evolving around the use of digitalisation, connectivity, and automation. Specific examples of maturing and emerging technologies are 3D-printing (Meyer et al, 2020), digital twins (Schiele and Torn, 2020;Attaran, 2020), cyber-physical systems (Bhattacharya and Chatterjee, 2021), Internet of things (Legenvre and Gualandris, 2018), cloud computing (Manuel Maqueira et al, 2019), blockchain technology (Kurpjuweit et al, 2021;Schmidt and Wagner, 2019), big data analytics (Chen et al, 2015;Kache and Seuring, 2017), machine learning (Bohanec et al, 2017), and artificial intelligence (Baryannis et al, 2019;Toorajipour et al, 2021).…”

“….0 0 a an nd d s sm ma ar rt t w wo or rk ki in ng g P PS SM M p pr ro of fe es ss si io on na al ls s Research has identified technologies that underpin a new industrial paradigm evolving from the use of digitalisation, connectivity, and automation. Specific examples of maturing and emerging technologies are 3D printing(Meyer et al, 2020), digital twins(Attaran, 2020), cyber-physical systems(Bhattacharya and Chatterjee, 2021), Internet of things(Legenvre and Gualandris, 2018), cloud computing (Manuel Maqueira et al, 2019), blockchain technology…”