CRITICAL ELEMENTS IN DEFINING AN INTELLIGENT SUPPLY CHAIN MODEL FOR WAREHOUSE INFRASTRUCTURE

Abstract

Smart supply chains and warehouses aim to increase quality, productivity and efficiency with the notion of environmental justice in mind. Since the year 2015, the use of smart and intelligent supply chains gained traction with the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) taking centre stage in the discussion of the development of smart supply chains. The study evaluates the defining elements of an intelligent supply chain and their usefulness in the implementation of smart warehouse infrastructure. The study used the qualitative methodology and in-depth interviews. The study found that the use of digitalised warehouse infrastructures can position the manufacturing industry in Zimbabwe as the breadbasket globally and jewel crown of Africa. The study found that a smart supply chain can be defined by a tracking and tracing system that uses technology and the use of the IoT. There is need to move away from manufacturing that relies on fossil fuels and move towards sustainable manufacturing based on smart warehousing and inventory management. The study used qualitative methodology and in-depth interviews.