Cloud supply chain: Integrating Industry 4.0 and digital platforms in the Supply Chain-as-a-Service

In this paper, we introduce cloud supply chain which is a business model based on cloud-enabled networking of some third-party physical and digital assets to design and manage a supply chain network. Cloud supply chain integrates concepts and technology of Industry 4.0 and digital platforms emerging in the supply chain-as-a-service paradigm. This paper conceptualizes the cloud supply chain as a new and distinct research area. Through analysis of practical cases, we deduce some generalized characteristics of the cloud supply chain. In the generalised model, we formalize supply chain multi-structural dynamics and dynamic service composition. Our results show that the main generalized characteristics of the cloud supply chain are related to (i) multistructural dynamics; (ii) platforms, digital supply chains, ecosystems, and visibility, (iii) dynamic service composition with dynamically changing buyer/supplier roles, (iv) resilience and viability, and (v) intertwined supply networks and circular economy. We close by discussing future research directions including novel context of Industry 5.0.

Automated summary

This paper introduces the business model and characteristics of cloud supply chain, and conceptualizes it as a new research area. Through analysis of practical cases, the study identifies the generalized characteristics of cloud supply chain and discusses future research directions.