Table 1 Digital technologies and their... | Emerald Publishing

Table 1

Digital technologies and their implications for sustainable supply chains

Technology	Description	Implications for sustainable supply chains
Blockchain	Decentralized ledger for secure and transparent record-keeping	Enhances traceability, prevents fraud and supports ethical sourcing compliance
AI and machine learning	Algorithms for pattern recognition, optimization and decision-making	Improves forecasting, reduces waste and optimizes resource allocation
IoT	Sensor-based real-time data collection and monitoring	Supports energy efficiency, predictive maintenance and emissions tracking
Autonomous systems	Automated vehicles, drones and robotics for logistics	Reduces fuel consumption and labor costs but presents social sustainability trade-offs
Cloud computing, big data analytics and digital platforms	Digital infrastructure for data sharing and collaboration	Enhances transparency, facilitates supplier engagement and improves sustainability reporting

Technology	Description	Implications for sustainable supply chains
Blockchain	Decentralized ledger for secure and transparent record-keeping	Enhances traceability, prevents fraud and supports ethical sourcing compliance
AI and machine learning	Algorithms for pattern recognition, optimization and decision-making	Improves forecasting, reduces waste and optimizes resource allocation
IoT	Sensor-based real-time data collection and monitoring	Supports energy efficiency, predictive maintenance and emissions tracking
Autonomous systems	Automated vehicles, drones and robotics for logistics	Reduces fuel consumption and labor costs but presents social sustainability trade-offs
Cloud computing, big data analytics and digital platforms	Digital infrastructure for data sharing and collaboration	Enhances transparency, facilitates supplier engagement and improves sustainability reporting

Source(s): Authors’ elaboration based on existing literature