Real-time data processing in supply chain management: revealing the uncertainty dilemma

TLDR

In volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) business conditions, supply‑chain managers rely on real‑time data processing to reduce uncertainty, yet this expectation is unrealistic. This study investigates whether real‑time data processing actually reduces supply‑chain uncertainty in real‑world settings and highlights the challenges of obtaining timely, accurate data in VUCA environments. A Delphi survey of 68 supply‑chain and data‑science experts evaluated 14 prospective statements about real‑time data processing to assess its impact on uncertainty. The survey revealed that real‑time data processing has an ambivalent effect on reducing supply‑chain complexity and uncertainty, uncovered a new type of data‑related uncertainty, and offers insights for practitioners and future research.

Abstract

Purpose Particularly in volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) business conditions, staff in supply chain management (SCM) look to real-time (RT) data processing to reduce uncertainties. However, based on the premise that data processing can be perfectly mastered, such expectations do not reflect reality. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether RT data processing reduces SCM uncertainties under real-world conditions. Design/methodology/approach Aiming to facilitate communication on the research question, a Delphi expert survey was conducted to identify challenges of RT data processing in SCM operations and to assess whether it does influence the reduction of SCM uncertainty. In total, 14 prospective statements concerning RT data processing in SCM operations were developed and evaluated by 68 SCM and data-science experts. Findings RT data processing was found to have an ambivalent influence on the reduction of SCM complexity and associated uncertainty. Analysis of the data collected from the study participants revealed a new type of uncertainty related to SCM data itself. Originality/value This paper discusses the challenges of gathering relevant, timely and accurate data sets in VUCA environments and creates awareness of the relationship between data-related uncertainty and SCM uncertainty. Thus, it provides valuable insights for practitioners and the basis for further research on this subject.