Integrating industry 4.0 into sales and operations planning: a socio-technical perspective toward S and OP 4.0

In an increasingly volatile and dynamic competitive environment, digital transformation and Industry 4.0 have become key enablers for OSCM (Operations & Supply Chain Management). However, the adoption of these technologies in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), one of the key OSCM processes, is still fragmented and lacks a shared vision of opportunities, challenges, and solutions. This thesis analyzes the integration of 4.0 technologies (AI, Big Data Analytics, blockchain, cloud computing, digital twins, IoT, visualization technologies) into the dimensions of S&OP (People, Process, Information Technology, Performance Metrics) through a socio-technical lens supported by socio-technical systems theory (STS). In particular, using a methodology that combines a scoping review of the literature, expert panels, and focus groups with two companies (one German and one Brazilian), the research develops three integrative frameworks with the aim of providing useful food for thought for both academics and industry professionals who aim to improve decision-making agility, operational efficiency, and supply chain resilience through digital transformation.

In un contesto competitivo sempre più volatile e dinamico, la trasformazione digitale e l’Industria 4.0 sono diventate leve abilitanti fondamentali per l’OSCM (Operations & Supply Chain Management). Tuttavia, l’adozione di tali tecnologie nel Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), uno dei processi chiave dell’OSCM, risulta ancora frammentaria e priva di una visione condivisa su opportunità, sfide e soluzioni. Questa tesi analizza l’integrazione delle tecnologie 4.0 (AI, Big Data Analytics, blockchain, cloud computing, digital twins, IoT, visualization technologies) nelle dimensioni dell’S&OP (People, Process, Information Technology, Performance Metrics) attraverso una lente socio-tecnica supportata dalla teoria dei sistemi socio-tecnici (STS). In particolare, mediante una metodologia che combina scoping review della letteratura, panel di esperti e focus group con due aziende (una tedesca e una brasiliana), la ricerca sviluppa tre framework integrativi con l’obiettivo di fornire spunti di riflessione utili sia per gli accademici che per gli operatori del settore che mirano a migliorare l'agilità del processo decisionale, l'efficienza operativa e la resilienza della supply chain attraverso la trasformazione digitale.