Assessing Critical Success Factors for Supply Chain 4.0 Implementation Using a Hybrid MCDM Framework

Heightened environmental policies along with the necessity for a resilient supply chain (SC) network have driven companies to adopt circular economy (CE) strategies. Although CE initiatives have shown significant effects on SC operations, the advent of digital technologies is encouraging businesses...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Ibrahim Mutambik
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Systems
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2079-8954/13/6/489
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Summary:Heightened environmental policies along with the necessity for a resilient supply chain (SC) network have driven companies to adopt circular economy (CE) strategies. Although CE initiatives have shown significant effects on SC operations, the advent of digital technologies is encouraging businesses to digitize their SCs. However, the relationship connecting SC digitalization with CE practices remains underexplored. This study presents a novel framework that bridges the gap between CE principles and SC digitalization by identifying and prioritizing critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing SC4.0 in a circular economy context. We conducted a comprehensive literature review to determine CSFs and approaches relevant to Supply Chain 4.0 (SC4.0), and expert insights were gathered using the Delphi method for final validation. To capture the complex interrelationships among these factors, the study employed a combined approach using Intuitionistic Fuzzy Set (IFS), Analytic Network Process (ANP), decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory, and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) techniques to assess the CSFs and strategies. The findings highlight that an intelligent work environment, performance tracking, and data accuracy and pertinence are the top three critical CSFs for SC digitalization. Furthermore, enhancing analytical capabilities, optimizing processes through data-driven methods, and developing a unified digital platform were identified as key strategies for transitioning to SC4.0. By embedding CE principles into the evaluation of digital SC transformation, this research contributes a novel interdisciplinary perspective and offers practical guidance for industries aiming to achieve both digital resilience and environmental sustainability. The study delivers a comprehensive evaluation of CSFs for SC4.0, applicable to a variety of sectors aiming for digital and sustainable transformation.
ISSN:2079-8954