Assessment of the factors for the adoption of Internet of things (IoT) in the logistics: a PLS-SEM (partial least squares structural equation modeling) approach

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the influence that technological, environmental and organizational factors have on the rate of Internet of Things (IoT) adoption within the logistics industry. In addition, the moderating effect that the risk factor has on the technological, environmental and organizational factors regarding the implementation of IoT in logistics.Design/methodology/approachFor the purpose of testing the models and hypotheses, a survey was carried out in order to collect the responses from currently employed individuals at various companies working in the field of logistics or IoT. For the purpose of analysis, the authors made use of the partial least squares structure equation model (PLS-SEM) technique.FindingsFindings of this study concluded that technology- and environmental-related factors significantly affect the adoption of IoT in logistics, while risk acts as a moderator for the technological-related factor only in the adoption of IoT in logistics.Research limitations/implicationsThe relevance of the authors' study lies in the growing importance of IoT in logistics and the need for logistics companies to understand the factors that impact the adoption of IoT in their operations. By identifying and analyzing the factors that influence IoT adoption in logistics, the authors' study provides valuable insights that can help logistics companies make informed decisions about whether and how to adopt IoT.Practical implicationsThe research will help organizations make strategies for the successful adoption of IoT and ease the lives of all the stakeholders.Originality/valueIn this research, the authors attempted to find the factors that influence the adoption of IoT in logistics management. The influence of the technological, environmental, organizational and risk-related factors on the adoption of IoT in logistics management was studied. The moderating effect of risk over these factors on the adoption of IoT in logistics was also analyzed. This is original work and has never been done earlier.