On the Supply Chain in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• List of Abbreviations
• Introduction
  • Motivations
  • Research questions
  • Limitations
• I Literature review
  • 1 The fourth industrial revolution
    • 1.1 Historical perspective on the industry
      • 1.1.1 The first industrial revolution: mechanisation
      • 1.1.2 The second industrial revolution: electric power.
      • 1.1.3 The third industrial revolution: automation
    • 1.2 The fourth industrial revolution . .
      • 1.2.1 Criteria I: technology and elements
      • 1.2.2 Criteria II: impact on economic systems
      • 1.2.3 Criteria III: impact on social structures
  • 2 Supply chain management
    • 2.1 Overview and concepts
    • 2.2 Historical perspective on supply chain management
    • 2.3 SCM model: categories and decisions
      • 2.3.1 Logistic network and operations strategy

  Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

  This paper investigates the potential impact of the Industrial Internet of Things (IoT), a defining aspect of the fourth industrial revolution, on supply chain management (SCM) decisions. It aims to understand how the IIoT will transform the way goods and services are delivered to customers and how entire supply chains are managed strategically and operationally.

  • The nature of the fourth industrial revolution and its defining characteristics.
  • The evolution of supply chain management and its key concepts.
  • The potential changes, opportunities, and challenges posed by the IIoT for supply chains.
  • The emergence of smart supply ecosystems and the evolving nature of inter-company collaboration.
  • The challenges and limitations of implementing IIoT in supply chains, including cybersecurity, interoperability, and cost of investment.

  Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

  The first chapter delves into the concept of the fourth industrial revolution, providing a historical perspective on industrial revolutions and outlining the key characteristics that define this new era. The chapter explores the criteria that define the fourth industrial revolution, examining its technological advancements, economic impact, and social implications. Chapter two provides an overview of supply chain management, examining its evolution and key concepts. It presents a framework for understanding supply chain management by categorizing managerial decisions into distinct areas such as logistic network and operations strategy.

  Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

  This paper focuses on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the fourth industrial revolution, supply chain management, smart supply ecosystems, inter-company cooperation, cybersecurity, interoperability, and cost of investment. The paper aims to understand the impact of the IIoT on supply chain management, explore the potential benefits and challenges, and analyze the role of emerging technologies in transforming the way goods and services are delivered to customers.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  What is the "Fourth Industrial Revolution"?

  It is the era of cyber-physical systems, connectivity, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), following mechanization, electricity, and automation.

  How does the IIoT impact Supply Chain Management (SCM)?

  It enables real-time information flow, mass customization, and faster time-to-market by transforming supply chains into smart ecosystems.

  What are "Smart Supply Ecosystems"?

  They are interconnected networks where inter-company boundaries fade and companies cooperate through shared data and intelligent systems.

  What are the biggest challenges for IIoT implementation?

  Key challenges include cybersecurity risks, lack of interoperability between systems, high investment costs, and fear of job restructuring.

  Does the IIoT lead to job losses?

  The paper discusses potential job restructuring, as automation and intelligence change the nature of work within the supply chain.