Volume 7, Issue 8, August – 2022 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165

Sustainability in Supply Chain

Ejaz Shaikh a, Mohammad Faizan b, Tanzil Arshad Khan c
a
Universal Business School, Department of Operations, Karjat.
b
Universal Business School, Department of Operations, Karjat.
c
Universal Business School, Department of Operations, Karjat.

Abstract:- This paper takes a look into how SC and its dimensions of economic, environmental, and social
operations might be made more sustainable. The supply advantages, to summarise key conceptual findings from both
chain, on the other hand, has been explored in the domestic and international sources.
previous. Discussions about SC sustainability have gotten
a great interest in the current year, therefore the amount Marinagi (2014) pointed out that the implications of
of research in this area is growing. Furthermore, this Information Technology (IT) practices on gaining a
study emphasizes the relevance of achieving sustainability competitive edge all through the supply chain are examined
from a marketing viewpoint and covers data from current in this article. A competitive advantage is built on a firm's
studies on distribution network sustainability's ability to separate itself from its rivals through its skills.
advantages and disadvantages. Companies must support internal processes as well as
effectively connect facts with supply chain allies to solve
This research is inspired by the industrial fact that these issues and increase their competitive edge. As a result,
supply chain management platforms are progressively businesses must take advantage of IT, such as ERP systems,
introducing sustainable initiatives. Its goal is to develop e-procurement, and e-commerce.
an analytical framework to assist managers in making
sustainable decisions while taking into account Hofmann, H. et.al. (2014) in their research brought the
technological advancements. Surprisingly, a greater focus on the factual data suggests that corporations might
platform charge increases the chances of a win-win suffer significant losses as a result of societal, environmental,
situation for both the system and the producers. It focuses or ethical issues in their supply networks. In addition, they
on specifics and how they may employ technical developed a realistic management framework for supply
advancements to leverage the role of supply chain chain risks connected to sustainability. The suggested
sustainability to their competitiveness. Finally, a plan for approach can assist businesses in mitigating sustainability
achieving supply chain expertise and experience is challenges in global supply chains, producing their lower
offered. sensitivity to losses caused by these threats. Its use can help
promote sustainability norms throughout supplier networks.
The research revolves around the results of gaps that
need to be addressed to achieve final sustainability R. Maharajan (2019) pointed out that in recent years,
performance and enhance the current supply chain. The supply chain network design issues about sustainability have
current manufacturing sustainability method employs received a lot of attention. Even though the number of
technology to raise the substance savings %, and this is research on the subject is growing, few look at all three
the most important criterion for strategic sourcing. The aspects of sustainability. Furthermore, while there is an
application of technological trends, according to this assumption that sustainable supply chains are desirable, there
study, offers a solid foundation for future sustainability is no evidence of their impact on network structure. The first
and practical research. model focuses on the traditional efficiency-based purpose, the
second model integrates two components of sustainability,
Keywords:- Supply Chain Management, Sustainable and the third model incorporates all three components of
Strategies, Technological Trends. sustainability to establish the ideal supply chain network
structure. Finally, numerical analysis is used to demonstrate
I. LITERATURE REVIEW and compare the three models' findings.

 This paper discusses the theoretical background of The purpose of this report is to give SMEs the skills and
Sustainability in the Supply Chain and proposed theories. knowledge they need to start implementing changes in their
Xiong (2020) pointed out that sustainability became a businesses that improve the triple bottom line—financial,
worldwide issue as a resource, environmental, and societal social, and environmental success. This is accomplished
challenges grow more prevalent. Supply chain firms must through an examination of academic research, industry best
make broad changes to the economic, environmental, and practices, and the authors' experiences working with
social gains they confront while following their progress, and enterprises. Supply chain sustainability is becoming more
bring the sustainability strategy into the supply chain to important for businesses, and SMEs, in particular, may be
optimize the overall advantages. This approach is reflected in interested in learning more about it. According to a recent
the term "sustainable supply chain." This study primarily survey, 30% of manufacturers are reaping additional profits
discusses the current state of study on sustainable supply directly from sustainability measures, demonstrating a
chains relying on the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) concept in 3 substantial promise for bottom-line gains. The notion of

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Volume 7, Issue 8, August – 2022 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
supply chain sustainability is introduced in this study, as well more research into various aspects of the supply chain, such
as its significance in today's climate. The triple bottom line as teamwork, sustainable practices, and strategic supplier.
concept is utilized as the basis for long-term sustainability.
This paper emphasizes the relevance of supply chain Croom (2018) pointed out that the research adds to our
sustainability from a business standpoint and presents data understanding of the impact of social sustainability on
from recent surveys on supply chain sustainability's benefits operational success. A poll of US-based enterprises on their
and problems. The article then focuses on SMEs in particular, ties with important suppliers was used to gather data.
and how they may use supply chain sustainability to their Interestingly, effectiveness is predicted by performing
benefit. Finally, a path for achieving supply chain appropriately through intermediate but not fundamental
sustainability excellence and knowledge is described, as well SSSC practices. The U. S. context, the inter format of the
as a tool for benchmarking and current state analysis. (Rebeca analysis, and the limitations of evaluating long-term
B. Sánchez-Flores, 2020) inclination all constrain the findings.

Authors (Junbin Wang, Xuan Gao, and Zhiguo Wang, Rao, P. et.al. (2021) in their research concluded that
2021) in this study attempt to develop an analytical despite a tremendous increase in e-commerce in recent years,
framework to aid managers in making sustainable decisions, particularly in the business-to-consumer (B2C) online retail
based on the industry observation that e-commerce platform sector, past research has been inconclusive about its good and
marketplaces (e.g., Amazon) are increasingly introducing negative environmental impacts. Two conceptual models
sustainable plans. In the framework of a sustainable supply were originally built from the literature to better comprehend
chain, this study develops a stylized game-theoretical model the environmental implications of e-commerce. The study
in which competitive traditional product manufacturers sell offers vital insights for practitioners and policymakers in
their products through the platform's marketplace, while the promoting and utilizing e-positive commerce's environmental
platform determines whether to introduce green items and advantages while attempting to minimize/eliminate its
pricing strategy. We discovered that when the difference in negative environmental repercussions. The study is perhaps
evaluation for the green product is small enough, the the first empirical attempt to grasp the good and negative
platform's launch of the green product benefits the producers environmental consequences of e-commerce, as well as their
(or third-party sellers). Surprisingly, a greater platform influence on customer intention to use e-commerce, and so
charge increases the chances of a win-win situation for both the study conclusions are innovative.
the platform and the manufacturers.
II. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Mei Su (2015) pointed out that examining criteria and
variants in inadequate facts, this paper presents a multilevel In this section, the research methodology is defined, and
mottled decision-making test and reviews the experimental the steps taken are described briefly,
approach. It identifies characteristics and parameters for
seller prioritization using the specified pyramid relationship. 1.) First and foremost, given the goal of this study, a
This contains a unique set of requirements for organizing comprehensive literature review was chosen as the method of
features such as a long-term plan, sustainable communities, choice since it decreases bias and errors in qualitative
and long-term operational system management. The research. The structured literature procedure began with the
recycling/reuse/reduce option is presented as a measure to selection of relevant data for analysis, as well as the original
enhance the resource saves percentage in the findings. study aim and accessibility. The information gathering began
with publications with titles including the phrases "SC" and
(Jennifer Blackhurst, 2012) pointed out that supply "sustainability" to identify related publications centered on
chain sustainability and optimization are becoming SC. As a consequence, 30 papers were found, but only 12
increasingly popular in academics and industry. According to were chosen for this study. The next phase in the verification
the results of the research, various SC optimization methods process was to look through the titles, abstracts, and keyword
handle all 3 factors of sustainability at the same time, with the sections of the 30 articles for specific words relating to
social performance of buildings being the least investigated. emerging regions, including several alternatives and
Continued studies should transition away from approaches combination terms.
that only consider the economic and environmental elements
and toward better-integrated methods for predicting all 3 2.) Sustainability:
aspects of sustainability. Even though multiple writers have Concern over the decline of natural resources for
examined various elements of SC optimization and durability, subsequent years gave rise to the concept of sustainability,
there is still a vacuum in our expertise of SC sustainability. which is defined as "growth that meets current requirements
without jeopardizing later years' capacity to satisfy their
(Vidal, 2018) pointed out that the purpose of this essay existing requirements."
is to carry out studies on sustainable supply chain
management in advanced markets from a worldwide The "triple bottom line" (TBL), which is the junction of
viewpoint. The findings show that while undertaking factual the 3 factors of the TBL, is another name for the notion of
or case research studies in underdeveloped nations, the sustainability (economic, environmental, and social). This
context is critical. The conclusion emphasizes the need for theory arose from the realization that businesses were
primarily concerned with financial matters and paid almost

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Volume 7, Issue 8, August – 2022 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
no attention to ecological and societal concerns. The  3D Printing or Additive manufacturing - Businesses may
ecological ecosystem, consisting ’s significant, waters, trees, now keep virtual inventory and produce stock on needed
and wildlife, is linked to the ecological factor of resilience. thanks to this latest tech. This means companies may save
Human resource is tied to the societal component of a lot of money on transportation and packing, as well as
sustainably; increasing this aspect entails establishing and on power. The use of recyclable materials from the
executing procedures that are equitable and beneficial to distribution chain as the basic materials has the potential
employees, society, and the area in which the business to add value.
functions. The financial part of sustainability is concerned  Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) - IIoT systems enable
with the financial gains made by chain partners, such as the true data collection, exchange, and analysis, allowing
society, area, and countries where the processes are taken out. physical characteristics to be optimized and servicing to
be automated, reducing energy consumption and
3.) Sustainable Supply Chain Management in the Global eliminating inconsistencies in processes.
Context:  Blockchain - By establishing an auditable of facts from
The early focus of SCM was on ensuring the timely and across the distribution chain, blockchain technology can
dependable delivery of raw materials and final goods to help organizations become safer and more accessible.
buyers. Corporations were seeking methods to reduce waste Products can be reliably dated directly to their origins.
at the time, not for societal or natural reasons, but commercial  ERP Systems - Implementing a cutting-edge cloud-based
reasons. Furthermore, SCM currently plays a critical role in ERP system could boost company efficiency while also
world trade, necessitating a thorough examination that optimizing the distribution network. ERP systems help
highlights the interdependencies among its members. As a companies to make wise choices by allowing them to
result, companies that have successfully controlled their manage, analyze, and display massive data through input
supply chains have discovered new measures to cope with displays. This includes determining which areas need to
and adapt to worldwide hazards. As a result, SCM has pushed be adjusted, improved, or removed.
on to increasingly complicated situations, pursuing not just
economic gains but also environmental sustainability in its III. ANALYSIS
activities.
The 30 articles were analyzed and divided into several
4.) Sustainability in Supply Chain with the help of groups based on attributes and substance at this stage. The
Technological Trends: qualitative study began with the SC process, which involved
 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning - AI and ML connecting sustainability to all 3 TBL elements, key
are advancing at a breakneck pace. These innovations give industries, and research methodology. The various methods
the SC new automated capabilities, such as strategic and procedures employed in the SC were also categorized as
scheduling, sales prediction, and coordinated shipment. part of the research methodology content investigation in this
 Robotics and Automated Things - Internet buying has study.
expanded by almost 140 % before the outbreak, and
consumer demands for quicker and inexpensive shipping The 6 technological trends analyzed and their usage in a
have soared. Companies can boost production, speed, and global context is discussed below with the help of statistical
quality of products by using robotic technology, such as illustrations.
industrial robotics, inventory control robots, and cleaning
robots.

1.) Artificial Intelligence (AI):

Fig.1 – AI uses in manufacturing industry worldwide as of 2020

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Volume 7, Issue 8, August – 2022 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
(Statista,2020)

Quality assurance is the main significant use case for ai technology in the production line, according to the majority of
respondents (59 %). QC, in general, refers to the establishment of rules that standardize output. Ai technology, for instance, can
help enhance general quality checks by integrating modern cams to optimize inspection operations, saving cost. The production
sector is made up of businesses that turn raw materials and parts into completed goods.

2.) Robotics and Automated Things:

Fig.2 – Adoption of Robotics & Automation in industries.

(Sunol,2021)

Robotics and automation are currently one of the most extensively implemented warehouse technologies. It is already being
used by 39% of the 1,100 responders, confirming its value to the industry. Currently, it is 38% of the robotics warehouse is used
and in the upcoming 2 years it will be increased to 55% and in 6+ years it will touch 85% of the usage of the robotics warehouse.
This graph is showing the shift of trend and how the companies are extensively adopting the robotics warehouse.

3.) 3D Printing or Additive manufacturing:

Fig.3 –Market share of 3D Printing in Global context, 2020.

(Forecast Report, 2026)

 The marketplace has indeed been split into hardware, software, and service based on element types.
Hardware implementation for 3D printing material manufacture gained the most market share and is expected to continue its
control over the projection period. The main players are expanding their item portfolios and developing the technology to meet the
rising need from a variety of business verticals, making the hardware more robust. Businesses are paying in r&d., which has resulted
in increased growing demand. As during forecasting, the technology segment is projected to expand at a high CAGR. The program

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is frequently used in a variety of industries to design items and parts that will be printed. As organizations move to shift from
mainstream production techniques, a software tool has become more popular for printing variations of various industrial parts.

4.) Internet of Things (IOT):

Fig.4 – usage of the Internet of Things worldwide in 2015 and 2020.

(Ilchenko,2019)

There is a slew of IoT devices on the market right now. As a result, by the close of 2019, the amount of IoT-enabled gadgets
(except phones, ipads, and desktops) is expected to reach 8.3 bn. Furthermore, by 2025, the amount of IOT device units in various
businesses would total half of it with 27.3 million. Various worldwide organizations have effectively adopted IoT tools into existing
systems. It enables them to improve the manufacturing process, shorten delivery times, and cut costs. As a result of all of this, the
Internet market is anticipated to skyrocket in the coming years.

5.) Blockchain:

Fig.5(a) – Usage Plan of Blockchain

(Mearian,2018)

The first graph is showing about blockchain plans. As mentioned in the graph that 14% are using in medium-or-long term
planning, 8% are actively experimenting and adopting, 43% of organizations are on the radar but the action didn`t plan yet and 34%
have no interest in this.

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Volume 7, Issue 8, August – 2022 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165

Fig.5(b) – Leaders of Blockchain in 2018 compared with projected of 2021-2023.

(Mearian,2018)

In this second graph, it has been shown who were the leaders of Blockchain in 2018 and who will be in the upcoming years
(i.e., 2021 -2023), The shift in the previous leaders of blockchain to the projected one is shown in the graph. China will be the
projected leader in Blockchain with a growth of 12%. It’s how the world is grasping blockchain technology.

6.) ERP:

(a) (b) – 2022 ERP MARKET SHARE

Fig.6 – ERP market share
(Statista,2021), (Elearnmarkets,2022)

The second graph shows the market share of the ERP. in past the industries were focusing on economic factors
This market share shows how the ERP system is growing. while performing their supply chain activities but now as it
There are different systems in ERP like SAP ERP, Workday, becomes global due to globalization, the industries start
Microsoft Dynamics GP, etc. One of the major shareholders focusing on the other factors as well like social and
is Deltek which has 32.46% of the market share and there are environmental on global context.
other systems also in the market.
The second way is implementing technological trends in
In the first and second it is concluding that how there is the supply chain network. Now, the world is running towards
a difference in the market share. In 2017, SAP had the major sustainable technology and the updating of networks. Adding
market share but in 2022 Deltek became the major market this technology to the supply chain creates a great impact not
share in the market. Even Workday loses its market share in only on economic factors but on economic and social factors
comparison to the market share in 2017 to 2022. also. Various technological trends strengthen the supply chain
globally, e.g. Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning,
IV. CONCLUSION Blockchain, 3D Printing, etc. The supply chain is a vast
network concept that is expanding at a fast speed and
This paper concludes that there are various ways by capturing various departments in an industry so to make it
which we can add sustainability to the supply chain. The sustainable this research paper ponders upon the technical and
paper focuses on two ways, which the first one is about how other aspects also.

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ISSN No:-2456-2165
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