Industry 4.0 technologies impact on E-Commerce supply chains: increased adaptability and transparency

E-commerce supply chain is a complex process where response times, information visibility and transparency is crucial to achieve high service level. Once the relevant technologies will be applied in the industry widely, the digital supply network will offer a new degree of resiliency and responsiveness with the most efficient and transparent service delivery. Recently a large number of enterprises carrying out e-commerce supply chain management has been largely influenced by the latest development of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies. Although, for decades, supply chain management experts and academics stressing the importance of information transparency and trust throughout the entire supply chain, fully transparent supply chain is truly rear to achieve. This study explores the role of I4.0 technologies in e-commerce supply chain management, from an application perspective. Research on e-commerce companies and their supply chain management strategies are comprehensively reviewed in the UK, to extract insights from the practices of these companies, into the application of I4.0 technologies. The results of the systematic literature review suggest that I4.0 application by e-commerce firms enhances the transparency and efficiency of information sharing; which in turn improves supply chain adaptability; as well as decreases the risk and supply chain complexity while improving supply chain adaptability. With this research we intend to identify the vital role of I4.0 technologies within e-commerce supply chain management and draw implications for future practice.