Adoption of Industry 4.0 Technologies in E-Retailer Supply Operations and its Implications for Customer satisfaction and Sustainability
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/mjsyyy10Keywords:
Sustainable entrepreneurship, Asian SMEs, Industry 4.0, Digital innovation, Green logistics, Supply chain sustainabilityAbstract
The rapid expansion of e-commerce across Asian markets has intensified operational and environmental pressures on e-retail SMEs, particularly within last-mile logistics. This study examines how Industry 4.0 (Quality 4.0) technologies influence operational efficiency and sustainability performance in supply chain management. Positioned within the broader discourse on digital innovation and sustainable enterprise development, the study conceptualizes technology adoption as a strategic capability that enables SMEs to enhance competitiveness while advancing environmentally responsible practices. A quantitative research design was employed using survey data collected from 60 professionals engaged in e-retail supply chain operations. Reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and multiple regression were conducted to evaluate the relationships between digital transformation practices and performance outcomes. Four key dimensions of Industry 4.0 adoption were identified: delivery and demand planning improvements, last-mile delivery enhancements, tracking and monitoring systems, and reliability and delivery quality improvements. The findings reveal that operational efficiency is primarily driven by demand planning and digital visibility mechanisms, whereas sustainability performance is significantly influenced by last-mile delivery optimization, tracking systems, and delivery reliability. The results indicate that digital technologies support dual performance objectives, but through differentiated operational pathways. The study contributes to the understanding of how technology-enabled innovation strengthens both efficiency and sustainability in SME-led e-retail ecosystems, offering strategic implications for entrepreneurs and managers seeking to balance competitiveness with green supply chain practices.
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