Summary of the findings and research directions
| Digital technology | Characteristics* | Impacted processes/activities** | Investigation popularity** | Environmental drivers triggered*** | Research directions*** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data collection and processing technology (DCPT) | Foundational to other DTs | Several interface supply chain activities (Upstream, Downstream, Reverse Logistics) | Consolidated | ••• Resource Efficiency •• Dematerialization • Others | Relationship with circular drivers (lifetime extension, intensified asset usage, closing the loop) |
| Horizontal-Vertical integration (HVI) | Foundational for other DTs | Several interface supply chain activities (Upstream, Downstream, Maintenance, Reverse Logistics) | Niche | • Resource Efficiency • Dematerialization | Deeper investigation of significant relationships; Challenges in data management and integration |
| Cyber physical systems, Digital Twins and simulation (CPSDTS) | Connected to several other DT, empowered by DCPT | Several internal activities (production, inbound and outbound, material handling warehousing and logistics) | Emerging | •• Resource Efficiency •• Dematerialization | Complementary role with DCPT and benefits of joint adoption |
| Industrial Robotics (IR) | Connected to several other DTs | Several physical activities (production, material handling, product development, Maintenance) | Niche–Emerging | •• Resource Efficiency • Others | Deeper investigation of significant relationships with OM processes |
| Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) | Connected to several other DTs | Focused – physical activities (maintenance, warehousing) | Niche | •• Resource Efficiency • Dematerialization • Lifetime Extension | Deeper investigation of significant relationships with OM processes; Empirical/quantitative research on practical implementation, obstacles and outcomes |
| Additive manufacturing/3D printing (AM) | Standalone | Focused – physical activities (production, end-of-life treatment) | Consolidated | •• Closing the loop •• Resource Efficiency | Technical developments to expand the adoption of AM and achieve the promised benefits on a large scale |
| Blockchain and Cybersecurity (BLC) | Standalone | Focused – interface activities (tracking in procurement and reverse logistics) | Emerging | •• Dematerialization •• Hazardous/toxic/critical mat reduction | Empirical/quantitative research on practical implementation, obstacles and outcomes |
| Digital technology | Characteristics* | Impacted processes/activities** | Investigation popularity** | Environmental drivers triggered*** | Research directions*** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data collection and processing technology (DCPT) | Foundational to other DTs | Several interface supply chain activities (Upstream, Downstream, Reverse Logistics) | Consolidated | ••• Resource Efficiency | Relationship with circular drivers (lifetime extension, intensified asset usage, closing the loop) |
| Horizontal-Vertical integration (HVI) | Foundational for other DTs | Several interface supply chain activities (Upstream, Downstream, Maintenance, Reverse Logistics) | Niche | • Resource Efficiency | Deeper investigation of significant relationships; Challenges in data management and integration |
| Cyber physical systems, Digital Twins and simulation (CPSDTS) | Connected to several other DT, empowered by DCPT | Several internal activities (production, inbound and outbound, material handling warehousing and logistics) | Emerging | •• Resource Efficiency | Complementary role with DCPT and benefits of joint adoption |
| Industrial Robotics (IR) | Connected to several other DTs | Several physical activities (production, material handling, product development, Maintenance) | Niche–Emerging | •• Resource Efficiency | Deeper investigation of significant relationships with OM processes |
| Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) | Connected to several other DTs | Focused – physical activities (maintenance, warehousing) | Niche | •• Resource Efficiency | Deeper investigation of significant relationships with OM processes; Empirical/quantitative research on practical implementation, obstacles and outcomes |
| Additive manufacturing/3D printing (AM) | Standalone | Focused – physical activities (production, end-of-life treatment) | Consolidated | •• Closing the loop | Technical developments to expand the adoption of AM and achieve the promised benefits on a large scale |
| Blockchain and Cybersecurity (BLC) | Standalone | Focused – interface activities (tracking in procurement and reverse logistics) | Emerging | •• Dematerialization •• Hazardous/toxic/critical mat reduction | Empirical/quantitative research on practical implementation, obstacles and outcomes |
Note(s): * based on the contingency relationships among DTs
** based on the contingency relationships between DTs and OM processes and frequency analysis
*** based on the content analysis (number of “•” represents the intensity: “•••” = stronger, “•” = weaker)
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