Artificial Intelligence and Supply Chain Management of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a pivotal instrument in the supply chain management of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Through the enhancement of operational processes, cost reduction, and the improvement of decision-making accuracy, particularly via demand forecasting, inventory optimization, risk management, process automation, and increased transparency, AI enables SMEs to achieve superior performance within today’s highly competitive markets. This study focuses on investigating the interaction between AI and supply chain management in SMEs. A comprehensive review of the existing literature on the impact of AI on supply chain management, alongside prior research examining the benefits and barriers to its application in this domain, was conducted. Additionally, all referenced studies were analyzed using a descriptive approach within the empirical background section. The findings reveal that AI is being increasingly adopted in the supply chain management of SMEs, offering substantial opportunities for enhancing supply chain performance and exerting positive influences on operational efficiency, cost structures, and decision-making capabilities.
Keywords:
Artificial intelligence, Intelligent supply chain management, Supply chain of small and medium-sized enterprisesReferences
- [1] Arian Kambakhsh, A. N. (2022). The future of industries in light of artificial intelligence. Ghaleb scientific-research quarterly, 11(1), 25-41. (In Persian). https://doi.org/10.58342/.v11i36.29
- [2] Rao, V. S., Satish, M. A., & Prasad, M. B. (2024). Artificial intelligence: Principles and applications. Leilani Katie Publication. https://books.google.com/books
- [3] Modgil, S., Singh, R. K., & Hannibal, C. (2022). Artificial intelligence for supply chain resilience: learning from Covid-19. The international journal of logistics management, 33(4), 1246–1268. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-02-2021-0094
- [4] Mohsen, B. M. (2023). Impact of artificial intelligence on supply chain management performance. Journal of service science and management, 16(1), 44–58. https://doi.org/10.4236/jssm.2023.161004
- [5] Sargazi Moghadam, H., & Shahesvari, M. (2016). An overview of the role of intelligent software agents in supply chain management. Supply chain management, 18(53), 14-26. (In Persian). https://scmj.ihu.ac.ir/article_203599.html
- [6] Farooq, M., & Yen, Y. Y. (2024). Artificial intelligence in supply chain management: A comprehensive review and framework for resilience and sustainability. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3878218/v1%0A%0A
- [7] Cannas, V. G., Ciano, M. P., Saltalamacchia, M., & Secchi, R. (2024). Artificial intelligence in supply chain and operations management: a multiple case study research. International journal of production research, 62(9), 3333–3360. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2023.2232050
- [8] Kallmuenzer, A., Mikhaylov, A., Chelaru, M., & Czakon, W. (2024). Adoption and performance outcome of digitalization in small and medium-sized enterprises. Review of managerial science, 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11846-024-00744-2%0A%0A
- [9] Bhalerao, K., Kumar, A., Kumar, A., & Pujari, P. (2022). A study of barriers and benefits of artificial intelligence adoption in small and medium enterprise. Academy of marketing studies journal, 26, 1–6. https://www.researchgate.net
- [10] Mnyakin, M. (2023). Implementing sustainable supply chain 4.0 in small and medium-sized enterprises (smes): a review. Int j intell autom comput, 6(1), 1–16. https://research.tensorgate.org/index.php/IJIAC/article/view/5
- [11] Chandra, S. S., Hareendran, S., & others. (2020). Artificial intelligence: principles and applications. PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd. https://books.google.com/books
- [12] Hajivand, A., Khosh Manzar, A., & Sayari Zahan, S. (2023). A brief history of artificial intelligence: Past, present, and future. Legal civilization quarterly, 6(18), 73–90. (In Persian). https://www.pzhfars.ir/article_191089.html?lang=en
- [13] Hassani, H., Silva, E. S., Unger, S., TajMazinani, M., & Mac Feely, S. (2020). Artificial intelligence (AI) or intelligence augmentation (IA): what is the future? Ai, 1(2), 8. https://doi.org/10.3390/ai1020008
- [14] Soleiman Zadeh, M., & Abedi, M. (2006). Measuring supply chain performance. Logistics and supply chain conference, Tehran, Iran. Civilica. (In Persian).https://civilica.com/doc/8850/
- [15] Hugos, M. H. (2024). Essentials of supply chain management. John Wiley & Sons. https://books.google.com/books
- [16] Farahbakhsh Tooley, A., Ghaemi, Sh., & Abbasi, M. (2011). Intelligentization of supply chain management using intelligent software agents. 1st national conference on information and communication technology, Abhar, Iran. Civilica. (In Persian). https://civilica.com/doc/294531/
- [17] Govindan, K., Fattahi, M., & Keyvanshokooh, E. (2017). Supply chain network design under uncertainty: A comprehensive review and future research directions. European journal of operational research, 263(1), 108–141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2017.04.009
- [18] Zouari, D., Ruel, S., & Viale, L. (2021). Does digitalising the supply chain contribute to its resilience? International journal of physical distribution & logistics management, 51(2), 149–180. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPDLM-01-2020-0038
- [19] Kaufmann, L., Carter, C. R., & Rauer, J. (2016). The coevolution of relationship dominant logic and supply risk mitigation strategies. Journal of business logistics, 37(2), 87–106. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbl.12126
- [20] Rahimizadeh, R. (2023). Analyzing the Concept of Competitive Strategy in Small and Medium Businesses. Journal of strategic management and future studies, 6(1), 115-134. (In Persian). https://journal.tolouemehr.ac.ir/article_186674.html?lang=en
- [21] Kumar, V., Sindhwani, R., Behl, A., Kaur, A., & Pereira, V. (2024). Modelling and analysing the enablers of digital resilience for small and medium enterprises. Journal of enterprise information management, 37(5), 1677–1708. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEIM-01-2023-0002
- [22] Owoade, O., & Oladimeji, R. (2024). Empowering SMEs: Unveiling business analysis tactics in adapting to the digital era. Journal of scientific and engineering research, 11(5), 113–123. https://jsaer.com/download/vol-11-iss-5-2024/JSAER2024-11-5-113-123.pdf
- [23] Mohammadi, M., Heidaryd Dahooie, J., & Ahmadi, A. (2024). Identification and prioritization of artificial intelligence applications in supply chain 4.0 (retail industry case study). Journal of technology development management, 11(4), 78-106. (In Persian). https://doi.org/10.22104/jtdm.2024.6904.3317
- [24] Farhadi, M. (2023). An examination of the key indicators for adopting digital technologies in sustainable supply chains. Management and entrepreneurship studies, 9(3), 185–197. (In Persian). https://en.civilica.com/doc/1902416/
- [25] Ghasemi Hamedani, I., Bashokouh Ajirlo, M., Rahimi Kolour, H., & Seifollahi Anar, N. (2024). Explaining the evolution process of supply chain management in the path of intelligence: a study based on bibliometric approach. Defensive future studies, 8(31), 119-155. (In Persian). https://doi.org/10.22034/dfsr.2024.2013658.1740
- [26] Culot, G., Podrecca, M., & Nassimbeni, G. (2024). Artificial intelligence in supply chain management: A systematic literature review of empirical studies and research directions. Computers in industry, 162, 104132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compind.2024.104132
- [27] Sahoo, S., Goswami, S., … S. S. S. of E., & 2023, U. (2023). A review of digital transformation and industry 4.0 in supply chain management for small and medium-sized enterprises. Spectrum of engineering and management sciences, 1(1), 58–72. https://doi.org/10.31181/sems1120237j
- [28] Nzeako, G., Akinsanya, M. O., Popoola, O. A., Chukwurah, E. G., & Okeke, C. D. (2024). The role of AI-Driven predictive analytics in optimizing IT industry supply chains. International journal of management & entrepreneurship research, 6(5), 1489–1497. https://doi.org/10.51594/ijmer.v6i5.1096
- [29] Usmani, A., Sharma, M., Bung, P., Kumar, R., Ahmad, F., & Gupta, A. (2023). Key variables influencing Artificial Intelligence (AI) implementation In supply chain management (SCM): An empirical analysis on SMEs. Migration letters, 20(S11), 1284–1307. https://ssrn.com/abstract=4759869
- [30] Le Tan, T., Nguyen, N. H. K., Vi, N. H. T. T., Nha, H. T., Thuy, T. T., & Danh, T. T. (2022). Critical factors affecting artificial intelligence in supply chain management (case study in Danang SMEs). Journal of interdisciplinary socio-economic and community study, 2(1), 27–33. https://scholar.archive.org/work/upumxbv2nrchxf2aiin2z2ekmm/access/wayback/https://jiscos.ub.ac.id/index.php/jiscos/article/download/71/22
- [31] Dey, P. K., Chowdhury, S., Abadie, A., Vann Yaroson, E., & Sarkar, S. (2024). Artificial intelligence-driven supply chain resilience in Vietnamese manufacturing small-and medium-sized enterprises. International journal of production research, 62(15), 5417–5456. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2023.2179859
- [32] Helo, P., & Hao, Y. (2022). Artificial intelligence in operations management and supply chain management: An exploratory case study. Production planning & control, 33(16), 1573–1590. https://doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2021.1882690
- [33] Paul, S. K., Riaz, S., & Das, S. (2021). Adoption of artificial intelligence in supply chain risk management: an Indian perspective. Journal of global information management (JGIM), 30(8), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.4018/JGIM.307569
- [34] Mohammadzadeh Vanestan, S., & Abedi, R. (2024). Investigating the role of artificial intelligence enablers and companies’ readiness in adopting an artificial intelligence-integrated customer relationship management system. Journal of business management, 16(1), 34-58. (In Persian). https://doi.org/10.22059/jibm.2023.352689.4509
- [35] Du, M., Chen, Q., Xiao, J., Yang, H., & Ma, X. (2020). Supply chain finance innovation using blockchain. IEEE transactions on engineering management, 67(4), 1045–1058. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEM.2020.2971858
- [36] Kot, S., Haque, A. U., & Baloch, A. (2020). Supply chain management in SMEs: Global perspective. Montenegrin journal of economics, 16(1), 87–104. https://mnje.com/sites/mnje.com/files/087-104-_obmen_0.pdf
- [37] Sorak, M., & Dragic, M. (2013). Supply chain management of small and medium-sized enterprises. DAAAM international scientific book, 951–968. https://www.daaam.info/Downloads/Pdfs/science_books_pdfs/2013/Sc_Book_2013-059.pdf