Integration of industry 4.0 technologies for agri-food supply chain resilience

Abstract

The agri-food supply chain (AFSC) operations are becoming challenging due to globalization, constantly shifting consumer demands, and intensive disruptions leading to inefficient production and distribution of safe and high-quality food. Technological advancements are the most promising ways to ensure firms’ survival and supply chains. To enhance the resilience of AFSCs, the present study aims to identify and model the challenges associated with AFSC operations in the context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) food processing industry. An integrated methodology using the Grey Influence Analysis (GINA) and Fuzzy Linguistic Quantifier Ordered Weighted Aggregation (FLQOWA) methodology is applied to analyze resilience enablers and assess industry 4.0 technologies (I4Ts) that can enhance resilience in AFSCs. The GINA technique helps identify the most influential resilience enablers, and the FLQOWA helps assess and prioritize I4Ts to enhance resilient enablers. The findings reveal that out of thirteen sub-enablers, four are the most influential resilient enablers, viz., real-time information sharing, enhanced product traceability, improved risk management, and planning and network design; and out of ten I4Ts, three are the most influential technologies viz., big data analytics, Internet of things, and cloud computing can further enhance resilience enablers. The findings from the study can help AFSC organizations and the government formulate appropriate strategies based on the integrated matrix developed by selecting the best combination of technologies for strengthening the required resilient enablers among the AFSC stakeholders.

Keywords: Agri-food supply chain, Industry 4.0 technologies, Resilience assessment, Resilience enablers