IMPACT OF AUTOMATION ON SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
AUTHOR – VISHWAJIT PRABHAT, STUDENT AT GIBS BUSINESS SCHOOL, BANGALORE
BEST CITATION – VISHWAJIT PRABHAT, IMPACT OF AUTOMATION ON SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (1) OF 2025, PG. 566-575, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
ABSTRACT
Automation has emerged as a transformative force in supply chain management, reshaping traditional processes and driving efficiency across industries. This research paper explores the impact of automation on supply chain management, focusing on its implications for operational efficiency, cost optimization, and decision-making. The study underscores how technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT) have streamlined processes, reduced manual interventions, and enhanced accuracy in demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. Key findings suggest that automation significantly reduces operational costs by minimizing errors, optimizing resource utilization, and accelerating workflows. It enhances supply chain agility, enabling organizations to respond swiftly to dynamic market demands and disruptions. Automation technologies have also empowered businesses with advanced data analytics, facilitating predictive insights and real-time decision-making. This capability is critical in mitigating risks and improving supply chain resilience.
However, the adoption of automation is not without challenges. The research identifies potential barriers, including high implementation costs, the complexity of integrating automated systems with existing infrastructure, and the need for upskilling the workforce. Ethical concerns regarding job displacement and data privacy also emerge as critical considerations. The paper further highlights how automation is fostering sustainability in supply chains by reducing energy consumption and waste through optimized operations. Real-world case studies from industries such as e-commerce, manufacturing, and retail demonstrate the tangible benefits of automation, validating its role as a strategic enabler of competitive advantage.
Keywords – Supply Chain Automation, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Workflow Optimization, Inventory Management, Logistics, Route Optimization, Self- Driving Vehicles, Drone Deliveries, Predictive Analytics, Demand Forecasting, Real-Time Data, Supply Chain Visibility, Agility, Sustainability, Energy Consumption Reduction, Waste Minimization, Integration Complexities, Workforce Transformation, Ethical Concerns, Job Displacement, Data Privacy, Cost Optimization, Risk Mitigation, Resilient Supply Chains, Competitive Advantage, Emerging Trends, Operational Efficiency, Innovation in Supply Chain.