Integrating Blockchain, IoT, and AI in Supply Chain Management

Abstract

This chapter compares how blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are used in supply chain to promote sustainability. The chapter starts with explaining the concept of supply chains and their increasing importance in today’s business world. It explores the challenges and objectives involved in managing supply chains, which sets the foundation for examining how blockchain, IoT and AI contribute to this transformative approach. The study extensively analyses how blockchain advances the sustainability of supply chains. It provides insights into real-world implementations and evaluates their social impacts. Additionally, it explores applications of IoT that utilize sensor technology for monitoring conditions, tracking assets, and reducing waste within supply chains. The study also investigates how AI contributes to sustainability through activities like demand forecasting, optimization, resource management, predictive maintenance, and energy conservation. This research highlights the potential of blockchain, IoT, and AI in advancing supply chain management. It offers a nuanced understanding of these technologies’ strengths and weaknesses plus their cost effectiveness and adaptability in supply chain. It draws on real life examples from organizations that have successfully utilized these technologies to improve integration opportunities and overcome challenges. This research contributes to the understanding of the critical role played by blockchain, IoT, and AI technologies for the achievement of sustainability goals within supply chains. It offers practical recommendations for researchers, policymakers, and supply chain practitioners, enabling them to optimize the use of technologies in achieving sustainable supply chains. In conclusion, this study predicts the trends in integration of technology for supply chain sustainability.