Adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) in Supply Chain Management: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a transformative technology in supply chain management (SCM), enabling real-time data integration, tracking, and automation to improve operational performance and visibility. However, adoption rates vary widely across industries due to technological, organizational, and environmental challenges. This study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) of empirical research published between 2018 and 2025 to synthesize drivers, barriers, and outcomes of IoT adoption in SCM. Following PRISMA guidelines, 20 relevant studies were screened and analyzed. Findings indicate that technological factors (compatibility, complexity, security), organizational readiness (top management support, skills), and environmental pressures (competition, regulations) strongly influence adoption. Major barriers include high costs, lack of interoperability standards, and cybersecurity risks. Reported outcomes demonstrate improvements in operational efficiency, inventory management, and supply chain agility. Theoretical frameworks applied predominantly include the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework. This review contributes to academic literature by integrating multi-level adoption factors and highlights future research directions, including cross-industry comparisons, multi-technology integration, and longitudinal impact assessments