By incorporating I4.0 technologies, the agri-food supply chain (AFSC) can become leaner, faster, more robust and greener. However, many challenges must be overcome to fully realise I4.0 in this context. Therefore, this paper aims to identify the challenges that hinder the adoption of I4.0 technologies on the development of the Lean, Agile, Resilient and Green (LARG) AFSC.
The approach adopted was to identify challenges addressed in the literature with expert opinion and Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (TISM) for adaptation. In addition, a Weighted Influence Non-linear Gauge Systems (WINGS) methodology has been developed that uses expert opinion to generate a power and influence matrix.
The results show that lack of commitment and understanding of top management (X12), lack of long term vision (X17) and lack of incentives and government support (15) are the most important challenges.
This study does not explore the effectiveness of the concluded challenges of I4.0 and their strategy to overcome them. Also, the authors relied on a limited sample size for this study, which might not cover the detailed challenges within LARG AFSC. Finally, this study lacks in future advancement of I4.0, which may further affect the challenges.
By mentioning the key challenges, this study empowers LARG AFSC organisations to build a targeted strategy for smoother I4.0 implementation.
Industry 4.0 challenges remain unexplored in LARG AFSC. This improved awareness equips managers to navigate better the potential issues and complexity that may arise when adopting I4.0 in the LARG AFSC.
