2,344 research outputs found
Digital transformation in food supply chains: an implementation framework
Purpose
Digital transformation using Industry 4.0 technologies can address various challenges in food supply chains (FSCs). However, the integration of emerging technologies to achieve digital transformation in FSCs is unclear. This study aims to establish how the digital transformation of FSCs can be achieved by adopting key technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoTs), cloud computing (CC) and big data analytics (BDA).
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review (SLR) resulted in 57 articles from 2008 to 2022. Following descriptive and thematic analysis, a conceptual framework based on the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory and the context-intervention-mechanism-outcome (CIMO) logic is established, along with avenues for future research.
Findings
The combination of DOI theory and CIMO logic provides the theoretical foundation for linking the general innovation process to the digital transformation process. A novel conceptual framework for achieving digital transformation in FSCs is developed from the initiation to implementation phases. Objectives and principles for digitally transforming FSCs are identified for the initiation phase. A four-layer technology implementation architecture is developed for the implementation phase, facilitating multiple applications for FSC digital transformation.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the development of theory on digital transformation in FSCs and offers managerial guidelines for accelerating the growth of the food industry using key Industry 4.0 emerging technologies. The proposed framework brings clarity into the “neglected” intermediate stage of data management between data collection and analysis. The study highlights the need for a balanced integration of IoT, CC and BDA as key Industry 4.0 technologies to achieve digital transformation successfully
Rebel Foods’ Cloud Kitchen Technologies: Food for Thought?
This case study examines the India based cloud kitchens and food services provider Rebel Foods’ technology platforms. We document the development of the company from its foundation in 2004 and the role played by technology in enabling its various lines of business. We describe in detail the technology stack that drives the operations at Rebel Foods. We also present various emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), robotic process automation (RPA), blockchain and augmented reality (AR) that may be utilized by Rebel Foods to increase efficiency, build customer engagement and improve sales growth and profitability. We critically examine Rebel Foods’ current approach to technology and analyze the various technology options that the company may consider to drive its future strategy
Collaborative digitally-enabled business models for a circular economy: Sustaining, managing and protecting value in the UK plastics sector
Designing circular business models requires a combination of systems-level and company-level approaches, highlighting the importance of collaboration. While digital technologies can enable such business models, studies that shed light on the creation of multiple types of value in collaborative and digital technology-driven environments are currently limited. This paper, therefore, aims to explore the process of designing digitally enabled collaborative business models, using the UK plastics sector as a context that has seen a rise in new digital technology applications to plastics mandated by new regulations. To this end, we have worked with fifteen plastics sector organisations as part of an empirical qualitative study aiming to develop collaborative business models for a future plastics circular economy system in the UK. Together with the stakeholders, we have co-designed the value-retention and data-as-a-service business models that could be enabled by digital technologies such as tags. We show that the main stakeholder tensions relate to digital technology investments, access to recyclate and data, and digital asset management. We argue that such tensions might be the key cause of delaying experimentation with circular business models and enacting collaborations at the systems level. We suggest that future research could draw on quantitative data, such as investment costs to test these circular business models, in order to inform the discourse on infrastructural investments for sustainability.<br/
Improved traceability in seafood supply chains is achievable by minimising vulnerable nodes in processing and distribution networks  
Seafood is a globally traded commodity, often involving complex supply chains which have varying degrees of traceability. A robust traceability system for seafood supply chains enables the collection and communication of key information about catch and fisheries origins vital for assurance of the legality and sustainability of seafood products. End-to-end traceability is increasingly demanded by retailers, consumers, NGOs and regulatory bodies to ensure food safety, deter IUU fishing and verify sustainable and ethical credentials. Here, we map three UK seafood supply chains and evaluate traceability performance in: Dover sole landed in the south west of England, North-East Atlantic (NEA) mackerel landed at Peterhead, Scotland, and brown crab and European lobster, landed at Bridlington, England. Through a comparative analysis of traceability performance, this study suggests improvements to the technologies, processes, and systems for traceability in the seafood sector. The application of monitoring technologies and regulatory changes across the sector have increased traceability and potentially reduced instances of IUU fishing. While shorter supply chains are more likely to achieve end-to-end traceability, vulnerable nodes in processing and distribution networks may result in a loss of seafood traceability. While traceability systems may provide sustainability information on seafood, a high level of traceability performance does not necessarily equate to a sustainable source fishery. Encouragingly, while UK seafood supply chains are meeting minimum regulatory requirements for traceability, in the present study, many stakeholders have indicated ambitions towards traceability best practice in order to provide confidence and trust in the UK fishing industry
Digital Innovations for a Circular Plastic Economy in Africa
Plastic pollution is one of the biggest challenges of the twenty-first century that requires innovative and varied solutions. Focusing on sub-Saharan Africa, this book brings together interdisciplinary, multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder perspectives exploring challenges and opportunities for utilising digital innovations to manage and accelerate the transition to a circular plastic economy (CPE).
This book is organised into three sections bringing together discussion of environmental conditions, operational dimensions and country case studies of digital transformation towards the circular plastic economy. It explores the environment for digitisation in the circular economy, bringing together perspectives from practitioners in academia, innovation, policy, civil society and government agencies. The book also highlights specific country case studies in relation to the development and implementation of different innovative ideas to drive the circular plastic economy across the three sub-Saharan African regions. Finally, the book interrogates the policy dimensions and practitioner perspectives towards a digitally enabled circular plastic economy.
Written for a wide range of readers across academia, policy and practice, including researchers, students, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), digital entrepreneurs, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and multilateral agencies, policymakers and public officials, this book offers unique insights into complex, multilayered issues relating to the production and management of plastic waste and highlights how digital innovations can drive the transition to the circular plastic economy in Africa.
The Open Access version of this book, available at https://www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license
Big-Stream. A Framework for Digitisation in Africa's Circular Plastic Economy
Plastic materials are popular and in growing demand across the world because of their multifaceted functionality and versatile applications for domestic and industrial purposes. This further translates to an upshoot in the generation of plastic wastes as a consequence of the conventional linear plastic economy. A modern, regenerative circular economy for plastic materials, optimised by a range of relevant digital technologies, is proving to be a viable solution to the extant challenge of plastic waste management in the African continent. However, infrastructural gaps as well as the underdeveloped state of stakeholder preparedness towards the operationalisation of an effective circular plastic economy in sub-Saharan Africa lend urgency to the development of a holistic framework, linking together the relevant digital technologies, circular economy strategies as well as stakeholders involved. Drawing upon a range of studies and a review of existing frameworks exploring the interdisciplinary integration of digital tools towards a circular economy and global sustainability, this study adopts a system thinking approach in the design of a framework to help address highlighted issues. It demonstrates the usefulness of digital tools in obtaining efficiency and smooth operationalisation of the circular plastic economy and further suggests a shift from current unsustainable practices alongside spirited collaboration among relevant actors
Product Personalization and Customization: Proposing a System Architecture that Integrates Self-Transactional Materials with RFID and IoT Shared Database
This research paper presents a novel system architecture that integrates Self-Transactional materials with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Internet of Things (IoT), and a Shared Database to enable efficient product personalization and customization in supply chain management (SCM). By utilizing RFID tags to carry unique customer preferences or design specifications and leveraging IoT technologies for data communication and control, this proposed architecture aims to streamline the manufacturing processes and enhance customer satisfaction. The shared database serves as a central repository for storing customer-specific information and facilitates seamless coordination across the supply chain. Through the integration of these technologies, this system architecture demonstrates potential for reducing lead times, supporting flexible manufacturing processes, and achieving accurate and timely customization of products
Welfare of ducks, geese and quail on farm
This Scientific Opinion concerns the welfare of Domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus),Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata domesticus) and their hybrids (Mule ducks), Domestic geese (Anseranser f. domesticus) and Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) in relation to the rearing of breeders, birdsfor meat, Muscovy and Mule ducks and Domestic geese for foie gras and layer Japanese quail for eggproduction. The most common husbandry systems (HSs) in the European Union are described for eachanimal species and category. The following welfare consequences are described and assessed for eachspecies: restriction of movement, injuries (bone lesions including fractures and dislocations, soft tissuelesions and integument damage and locomotory disorders including lameness), group stress, inabilityto perform comfort behaviour, inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour and inability toexpress maternal behaviour (related to prelaying and nesting behaviours). Animal-based measuresrelevant for the assessment of these welfare consequences were identified and described. The relevanthazards leading to the welfare consequences in the different HSs were identified. Specific factors suchas space allowance (including minimum enclosure area and height) per bird, group size,floor quality,characteristics of nesting facilities and enrichment provided (including access to water to fulfilbiological needs) were assessed in relation to the welfare consequences and, recommendations onhow to prevent the welfare consequences were provided in a quantitative or qualitative way
Key Perspectives in Power Aware Ad-hoc Internet of Things with Advanced Networks and Real Time Scenarios
Smart gadgets with integrated power optimization segments are the key perspectives that use Internet of Things (IoT) enabled technology to promote lifestyle advancements. It has an influence on a number of sectors in academia and/or business thanks to its strong integration with the current Cloud architecture. Recently, the Internet of Things has been acknowledged as a disruptive technology for the aerial ad hoc network. IoT may be thought of as a network inside a network. IoT-based networks rely heavily on the so-called self-organizing capability working in a dispersed manner in ad hoc networks, with users travelling at speeds ranging from walking pace to automobile, rail, or airline speed. IoT applications that assist logistics and the administration of ad hoc networks may be found in a broad variety. Utility companies are under pressure now to produce ever more enormous amounts of electricity. In megacities, there is an exponential rise in the number of people and energy users. Thus, the need for energy conservation is growing significantly on a global scale. The best way to optimise the rising energy demands and consumptions is as a consequence of the development of energy-monitoring systems. These solutions can cut current utilisation levels, stop energy waste, and make better use of our resources
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