Short answer

Prioritize the integration of specific digital technologies with targeted supply chain processes that have a proven positive impact on performance.

Field
Commercial Production
Source
International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management (2023)
Method
Systematic Literature Review
Sample
5,060 emerging practices from 1,585 papers
Evidence
Strong effect

Integrating digital technologies and unphysicalization strategies significantly enhances supply chain performance by optimizing business processes. This commercial production research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management. Using Systematic literature review with 5,060 emerging practices from 1,585 papers, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Prioritize the integration of specific digital technologies with targeted supply chain processes that have a proven positive impact on performance.

Study
Commercial ProductionRecentStrong effect

Digitalization and Unphysicalization Drive Supply Chain Performance

Integrating digital technologies and unphysicalization strategies significantly enhances supply chain performance by optimizing business processes.

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management · 2023

01

Key Findings

  • 01A three-dimensional conceptual framework was developed to visualize the interplay between Digital Technologies, business processes, and Supply Chain performance.
  • 02Specific combinations of DTs, business processes, and performance impacts were identified as promising areas for implementation.
  • 03The study highlights widely used DTs and key business processes within the literature.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Prioritize the integration of specific digital technologies with targeted supply chain processes that have a proven positive impact on performance.

How to apply

Use the conceptual framework to analyze your current supply chain processes and identify digital technologies that can address performance gaps.

Project actions

  • 01When researching digital tools, consider how they directly impact specific business processes.
  • 02Think about how 'unphysicalization' (making things digital or less tangible) can improve efficiency in your design project.
03

Method & Evidence

AimTo develop a conceptual framework that maps the relationships between digital technologies, business processes, and supply chain performance to identify emerging best practices in supply chain digitalization and unphysicalization.
MethodSystematic Literature Review
ProcedureA systematic literature review was conducted on digital technologies (DTs) in supply chain management. 87 DTs were analyzed and grouped into 11 macro-categories. 17 business processes linked to supply chain management were considered, along with 17 different impacts on supply chain management. Emerging practices were collected and summarized, linking DTs, business processes, and performance impacts.
Sample5,060 emerging practices from 1,585 papers
ContextSupply Chain Management

Variables

IVDigital Technologies (DTs), Business Processes
DVSupply Chain Performance
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Comprehensive systematic literature review methodology.
  • +Development of a novel conceptual framework for analyzing SC digitalization.

Limitations

The findings are based on existing research and may not fully account for rapidly evolving technologies or unique industry contexts.

Reliability & validity

The systematic review methodology aims for objectivity and reproducibility, enhancing reliability. Validity is supported by the breadth of literature analyzed and the structured framework developed.

Think critically

How might the 'unphysicalization' aspect of supply chains create new vulnerabilities or ethical considerations that are not addressed by current digital technology frameworks?

05

Design Principles

"Strategic integration of digital technologies with core business processes yields measurable improvements in operational efficiency and supply chain performance."

In today's competitive landscape, understanding how to leverage digital transformation is crucial for operational efficiency. This research provides a structured approach to identifying the most impactful digital technologies and their application to specific supply chain processes, leading to tangible performance improvements.

06

What This Means for Your Design

By using digital tools smartly with the right business steps, supply chains can work much better.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Reference this study when discussing the impact of digital technologies on the production or distribution phases of your design project.
  • 2.Use the conceptual framework to justify your choice of digital solutions for a supply chain problem.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights the critical role of digitalization and unphysicalization in enhancing supply chain performance. The development of a three-dimensional conceptual framework, mapping Digital Technologies (DTs) to business processes and their impacts, provides a valuable tool for identifying emerging best practices. By understanding these relationships, designers can strategically implement DTs to optimize specific supply chain operations, leading to significant efficiency gains and competitive advantages.

09

Source

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

Embracing supply chain digitalization and unphysicalization to enhance supply chain performance: a conceptual framework

journal · 2023

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about digitalization and unphysicalization drive supply chain performance?
Prioritize the integration of specific digital technologies with targeted supply chain processes that have a proven positive impact on performance. Evidence: International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management (2023).
Why does "Digitalization and Unphysicalization Drive Supply Chain Performance" matter for design?
In today's competitive landscape, understanding how to leverage digital transformation is crucial for operational efficiency. This research provides a structured approach to identifying the most impactful digital technologies and their application to specific supply chain processes, leading to tangible performance improvements.
How can designers apply this research?
Prioritize the integration of specific digital technologies with targeted supply chain processes that have a proven positive impact on performance.
What were the main findings?
A three-dimensional conceptual framework was developed to visualize the interplay between Digital Technologies, business processes, and Supply Chain performance.. Specific combinations of DTs, business processes, and performance impacts were identified as promising areas for implementation.. The study highlights widely used DTs and key business processes within the literature.
What research method was used?
Systematic Literature Review with 5,060 emerging practices from 1,585 papers.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management.
What should I do differently in my next project?
Use the conceptual framework to analyze your current supply chain processes and identify digital technologies that can address performance gaps.
What are the limitations?
The study is based on a review of existing literature, and the practical implementation and validation of the identified best practices require further empirical research.