An analysis of the strategies for overcoming digital supply chain implementation barriers

Abstract

This study aims to identify and prioritize the strategies for overcoming digital supply chain (DSC) implementation barriers. Twenty-five DSC barriers and seventeen DSC strategies are formulated through an extensive literature review and expert discussion. An integrated Modified Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) and Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) based framework has been used to fulfil the research objective. A case study in the automotive industry is undertaken to assess the applicability of the proposed framework. With the help of experts, a pairwise comparison matrix has been developed for critical DSC barriers and DSC strategies. The result shows that “absence of urgency for SC digitalization”, lack of proper innovation strategies”, and “Inadequate leadership to lead digital transformation “are the highest-ranked DSC barriers that needs to be overcome on a priority basis, and “determined top management commitment to digitalization to gain a competitive edge”, “planning and coordination for implementing digital technologies in SC”, and “Adequate management of investment for comprehensive digitalized business” are the top-ranked DSC strategies which has to be considered on priority basis by the management to overcome most of the barriers. Accordingly, the management should effectively plan to mitigate the DSC barriers and implement strategies phase-wise for successful DSC implementation. This study will also guide the practitioner to select the optimal strategies within the available resources. Sensitivity analysis has also been done for the obtained results, whose analysis shows that the proposed research model is robust as ranking strategies are relatively sensitive to barrier weights.