University Canada West

Enhancing Supply Chain Transparency through IoT: A
Systematic Review, Conceptual Framework, and Case
Study Insights
This thesis explores how the Internet of Things (IoT) can revolutionize
supply chain transparency. We present a systematic review, a new
framework, and case study insights.
MBA Thesis | University Canada West | Spring 2025

Presented by
Ashutosh Jani
(Under the guidance of Dr. Amit Kohli)
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Why Transparency in Supply Chains Matters
2025 Business Reality
• Transparency is critical for ESG compliance and ethical sourcing
• Enables traceability from start to finish, building trust

• Helps detect risks early, prevent fraud, and improve supply chain resilience
• Cited: Ahmad et al., 2024; Wang et al., 2024

Challenges Faced by SMEs
• Struggle with high costs, outdated IT, and lack of digital skills
• Difficulty accessing affordable, real-time traceability tools
• Risk inefficiencies, non-compliance, and missed market opportunities
• Cited: Malik et al., 2021; Bosco et al., 2024

Research Focus: IoT-Enabled Transparency

• IoT offers scalable, user-friendly solutions for SMEs
• Helps capture real-time, actionable supply chain data
• Bridges the gap between SME needs and modern tech
• Cited: Budler et al., 2024; Saxena & Arya, 2023

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Two-Phase Methodology

Phase 1: Systematic Literature Review

Phase 2: Cross-Sector Case Study Validation

Analysis of 36 peer-reviewed articles (2018–2025) using the PRISMA model

Findings validated through case studies of Walmart, Maersk, Volvo, ZhongAn

for thematic coding (PRISMA 2020 Framework).

AgriTech, and India Pharma (Bosco et al., 2024; Ahmad et al., 2024; Volvo

Group, 2023; Billah et al., 2023; Jani, 2025)

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PRISMA Article Screening – Phases & Counts
Identification:

214 articles retrieved using Boolean search (“IoT AND Supply Chain AND Transparency”) (PRISMA 2020 Flow model ; Page 14)

Screening:

117 articles retained after title/abstract review and duplicate removal

Eligibility:

63 full-text articles assessed for relevance, quality, and alignment

Inclusion:

36 peer-reviewed journal articles finalized for systematic analysis

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What the Literature Reveals (RQ1)

Agri Sector

Pharma Sector

Real-time crop data significantly

Blockchain traceability decreased

reduced spoilage by 27%. This

counterfeits by 25%. This ensures

enhances freshness and reduces

drug authenticity and patient

waste (Wang et al., 2024; Bosona &

safety (Ahmad et al., 2024; Araujo

Gebresenbet, 2023; Vitaskos et al.,

et al., 2022; Volvo Group, 2023).

2024)

Logistics Sector
IoT enables predictive and paperless movement. This optimizes routes and
improves delivery efficiency (Ivanov & Dolgui, 2021; Tao et al., 2018; Dakhia et al.,
2025).

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What Helps or Hinders IoT Adoption (RQ2)

Key Enablers

Common Barriers

• Advanced cloud and edge computing enabling real-time analytics and

• 42% of IoT projects fail due to legacy system incompatibility and poor

decision-making (Baig et al., 2022 – cloud, blockchain).

interoperability (Budler et al., 2024 – 42% failure due to interoperability)

• Seamless integration of RFID with blockchain for secure and transparent
traceability (Malik et al., 2021 – modular integration).

• High initial setup and maintenance costs limit SME adoption potential

• Flexible modular APIs supporting ESG-compliant dashboards for

(Wang et al., 2024 – digital infrastructure limitations )

sustainability reporting (Budler et al., 2024 – APIs and ESG compliance)

• Shortage of skilled personnel to manage complex IoT infrastructure

• Government incentives and financial support programs reducing upfront

effectively (Korkmaz & Erkayman, 2023 – data privacy concerns )

costs (Ahmad et al., 2024 – government support and digital literacy)

• Resistance to organizational change and concerns over data privacy and

cybersecurity (Ahmad et al., 2024 – cost and skill gaps )
• Increasing digital literacy and targeted training programs for SME staff

• Limited broadband access and unstable network infrastructure in some

(Budler et al., 2024; Wang et al., 2024)

regions (Ahmad et al., 2024; Wang et al., 2024).

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The 3-Layer IoT Framework (RQ3)
Transparency Outcomes
Comprehensive ESG dashboards provide real-time sustainability metrics, while immutable audit trails

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enabled by blockchain ensure product provenance. These enhance regulatory compliance and build
greater stakeholder trust across the supply chain (Baig et al., 2022; Malik et al., 2021; Billah et al.,
2023; Korkmaz & Erkayman, 2023)

Operational Execution
Integration of smart contracts automates compliance processes; ERP systems
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synchronize supply chain data; and IoT-driven real-time monitoring enables predictive
maintenance and inventory management, boosting operational efficiency (Tao et al.,
2018; Kareem et al., 2024; Bosco et al., 2024).

Technological Enablers
Core technologies include RFID tags for asset tracking, blockchain for
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secure data sharing, and APIs for system interoperability, and diverse IoT
sensors collecting environmental and location data across the supply chain
(Gao et al., 2023; Duong, 2024; Khan et al., 2023; Budler et al., 2024).

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Case Study Synthesis (RQ4)
Walmart
(Kamath, 2020; Ahmad et al., 2024)

Retail

Blockchain-based product
traceability system

Achieved 2.2 seconds average time
to track product origin and
journey, enhancing recall efficiency
and food safety

Maersk
(Billah et al., 2023; Maersk & IBM,
2021)

Logistics

TradeLens platform powered by
IBM Blockchain

Streamlined customs clearance,
reducing processing time by 20%
and improving shipment
transparency

Volvo
(Volvo Group, 2023; Khan et al.,
2023)

Automotive

Ethical sourcing framework
integrated with IoT sensors and
blockchain verification

Ensured ESG compliance by
verifying parts origin and supplier
practices in real-time

ZhongAn
(Duong, 2024; ZhongAn Tech,
2023)

AgriTech

IoT-enabled smart farming
sensors with real-time data
analytics

India Pharma
(Ahmad et al., 2024; Araujo et al.,
2022)

Pharmaceutical

Cold chain IoT loggers with
blockchain record keeping

Monitored crop conditions
remotely, enabling real-time yield
tracking and predictive harvesting

Reduced spoilage risk by 30%
through continuous temperature
monitoring and secure data logs

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Canadian SME Roadmap (Adapted Framework)

Step 1: Digital Readiness
Audit

Step 2: Integration Planning

Step 3: Pilot IoT Deployment

Step 4: ESG Scaling & Funding
Expand IoT implementation to

Deploy small-scale IoT solutions to

support ESG compliance. Leverage

Develop a comprehensive plan to

test effectiveness and scalability. For

tools such as CDAP, Hyperledger,

Evaluate current digital

integrate IoT seamlessly with

example, Chudleigh's Bakery piloted

and open-source platforms for

infrastructure and identify gaps. For

existing systems. For example,

smart temperature sensors

funding and scaling (Manupati et al.,

example, Bothwell Cheese optimized

Happy Planet enhanced

successfully (Budler et al., 2024).

2020 ).

their processes through this

sustainability with clean food

assessment (Bothwell Cheese, 2023)

packaging (Ahmad et al., 2024)

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Practical & Policy Implications
For SMEs

For Policymakers

• Implement a structured IoT adoption roadmap to achieve ESG

• Support SME digital transformation with targeted funding programs like

compliance, including digital readiness audits and pilot deployments

CDAP, facilitating scalable IoT integration for ESG goals (Hyperledger

(Ahmad et al., 2024)

Foundation, 2023)

• Reduce supply chain risks through real-time monitoring, enhancing

• Promote open-source platforms such as Hyperledger to ensure secure,

product traceability and boosting consumer trust (Malik et al., 2021)

interoperable supply chain transparency solutions (Manupati et al., 2020)

• Leverage IoT-driven efficiencies to improve operational performance and

• Advance national innovation agendas by incentivizing sustainable

gain competitive advantage in sustainable markets (Bosco et al., 2024).

practices that foster inclusive economic growth and environmental
stewardship (Duong, 2024)

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Rethinking Supply Chains
for a Transparent Future
• Transparency is now essential
• IoT integration is no longer optional

• Our framework helps SMEs move from complexity to clarity
• Thank you for your time and attention

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Thank You for Your Time &
Attention
Thank you for joining us today. We covered IoT, transparency, and

innovation for SMEs.
Please feel free to ask any questions.

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