The role of artificial intelligence on digital supply chain in industrial companies mediating effect of operational efficiency

The research aims to investigate the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the digital supply chain in light of extant literature on the Decision-Oriented Information (DOI) theory and the Technology-Oriented Enterprise (TOE) framework. The research further attempts to unpack the strategic implications of AI integration in supply chain management, and its association with operational excellence and business model innovation. The study is exploratory and employs a mixed-methods approach. We develop propositions that examine the decision-making processes within AI-enhanced supply chains based on an analysis of concepts central to the DOI theory. We also employ the TOE framework to develop further propositions regarding the technological infrastructure required for AI implementation. Empirical case studies encompassing AI applications in different industries (e.g. manufacturing, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals) are presented to gain a broad perspective of the impact of AI on the digital supply chain. AI technologies inherently make supply chains more agile, transparent, and responsive. Machine Learning algorithms allow for more accurate forecasting and demand management under conditions of supply chain risk and volatility. Robotics and automation, allow for greater flexibility and efficiency in executing operations and logistics. Additionally, the successful implementation of AI is heavily contingent on the organization’s current level of technological infrastructure and its alignment with its current and future business objectives. Furthermore, the DOI theory and TOE framework may serve as a blueprint for how one could evaluate AI implementation beyond the scope of supply chain management.