Supply Chain Analytics: An Integrative View of Enablers and Impact on Performance

Abstract

A huge and enormous bundle of both internal and external data is being generated regularly throughout various processes across different levels (upstream to downstream) of the supply chain. A lot of data is created and is available to firms in this era of the internet of things and cloud computing. If this data is unused, it will lead to opportunity loss for the firms in many ways. The humungous data generated during several processes in the supply chain can be utilised to create information using analytics. Analytics aids in refining and increasing the vigour of the prediction tools for market trends. Analytics in the supply chain is germane in the planning, managing procurements, manufacturing, delivery and return of the products for the firm. The skilful manoeuvre of these activities helps in the improvement of the supply chain performance. Analytics can stimulate supply chain capabilities that come from formulating implementable and cutting-edge supply chain strategies. It is assumed that the firms in the supply chain using analytics will be able to improvise their operational, strategic, business and financial performance. Analytics adds value by improvising the performance of the supply chain. Although the use of analytics has started gaining the attention of many academicians and decision-makers, however, there is a lack of its acceptance and inclusion, especially in emerging economies. This research piece with triple objectives is a novel attempt in this regard. Firstly, this work primarily focuses on determining the circumstances, which enable the adoption of analytics in the supply chain. Identification of enablers for analytics generally and supply chain analytics specifically is an understudied area. Only a few frameworks have been proposed that lack empirical validation (Wamba et al., 2018). Specifically, there is a need for more studies identifying and diagnosing the challenges in data analytics adoption. Specifically, the authors have thoroughly reviewed the role of technological-organizational-environmental enablers. The most important and crucial enablers for the adoption of analytics are projected using a detailed and structured literature review. Secondly, the impact of the implementation of analytics on the performance of the SC performance is also evaluated. Supply chain management encompasses the administration of the processes of making a product from the very beginning to the extreme end. Supply chain management incorporates the transportation of semi-processed products as well as information and capital between the various nodes in the value chain. While primitive supply chains faced challenges related to the smooth interchange of information owing to a lack of technological advancement, contemporary supply chains have access to massive data due to the embedded technologies in the functions carried out by the firms. Moreover, lately, firms have been able to realise the importance of analytics and hence the decision-makers are keen on and working towards the development of their analytical capabilities. This research work is intended to add to the existing knowledge base, which should help in gaining a better understanding of the topic. This research work adds to the theory by analysing the interplay of various theoretical underpinnings holistically. The revelations from the integrated approach provide useful guidelines for the practitioners operating the supply chains.