Raffaele Secchi

This research explores the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in operations and supply chain management (OSCM) and examines how AI can enhance and strengthen the digital capabilities model (DCM). Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming supply chain operations. To enhance resilience, sustainability, and efficiency of their supply chains, businesses need to understand how this technology affects digital capabilities. Using VOSviewer software, the study conducts a network analysis of term co-occurrence and identifies twelve clusters reflecting important search topics in artificial intelligence applications for OSCM. The research uses a Systematic Literature Network Analysis (SLNA) technique. The analysis of artificial intelligence applications in OSCM identifies four interconnected macro trends: (1) a move toward more integrated and holistic supply chain visions; (2) a greater emphasis on sustainability; (3) enhanced risk management and resilience; and (4) an increasing significance of data-driven decision making. The paper also shows how AI applications, such as genetic algorithms, deep learning, and machine learning, support and enhance the six core capabilities of the Digital Capabilities Model (DCM). The results highlight numerous opportunities for adopting AI within OSCM, offering valuable insights for practitioners aiming to integrate these technologies into their operations.

Che cosa significa oggi essere un protagonista nelle funzioni Supply Chain e Operations? Come si può davvero contribuire al successo competitivo aziendale governando queste aree? Il libro racconta le storie di dieci manager (uomini e donne) provenienti da settori diversi dall’automotive all’alimentare, dalle aziende ospedaliere ai servizi finanziari , che hanno saputo trasformare le proprie funzioni da mere aree operative a veri e propri motori strategici dell’impresa. Sollecitati dall’autore, Maurizio Bossi, Emanuele Brunetti, Angelo Casero, Antonio Copercini, Laura Di Dio, Federica Ferrario, Massimo Lovise, Adolfo Pellegrino, Elisa Piazzola e Gianluca Sperone raccontano le loro esperienze, condividendo le sfide affrontate e le competenze su cui hanno fatto leva per risolvere problemi piccoli e grandi: dalla gestione delle disruption globali all’integrazione dei processi, dalla digitalizzazione all’adozione dell’intelligenza artificiale. Un viaggio che svela come supply chain e operations manager possano uscire dai tradizionali confini funzionali, acquisire una visione strategica e diventare interlocutori chiave dei vertici aziendali, proponendo soluzioni innovative che generano valore. Il libro offre una mappa concreta per evolvere in questa direzione, fatta di riflessioni critiche e prospettive sui trend destinati a ridisegnare l’ambito del Supply Chain e Operations Management, ma anche pratici strumenti di autovalutazione: un percorso che va oltre i modelli tradizionali, per immaginare una nuova generazione di manager capaci di trasformare la complessità in opportunità competitiva.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly considered a source of competitive advantage in operations and supply chain management (OSCM). However, many organisations still struggle to adopt it successfully and empirical studies providing clear indications are scarce in the literature. This research aims to shed light on how AI applications can support OSCM processes and to identify benefits and barriers to their implementation. To this end, it conducts a multiple case study with semi-structured interviews in six companies, totalling 17 implementation cases. The Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model guided the entire study and the analysis of the results by targeting specific processes. The results highlighted how AI methods in OSCM can increase the companies' competitiveness by reducing costs and lead times and improving service levels, quality, safety, and sustainability. However, they also identify barriers in the implementation of AI, such as ensuring data quality, lack of specific skills, need for high investments, lack of clarity on economic benefits and lack of experience in cost analysis for AI projects. Although the nature of the study is not suitable for wide generalisation, it offers clear guidance for practitioners facing AI dilemmas in specific SCOR processes and provides the basis for further future research.

The impact of Industry 4.0 and its opportunities are expected to be significant for manufacturers. A lack of empirical studies creates the need for academic contributions on the critical success factors of Industry 4.0 implementations and their resultant improvements for manufacturing businesses. This research uses case studies of eight implementations of Industry 4.0 technologies in Italy to supplement existent literature. An original data set was constructed using a purposely defined research protocol using plant visits and structured interviews. Continuous improvement/lean management emerged as a critical success factor for implementation, together with quality and flexibility-based competition, top management leadership, establishment of inter-functional teams, conducting of preparatory activities, project planning and training activities. Incremental/evolutionary and radical/revolutionary improvements in business model elements are possible outcomes of implementations, while addressing customers' needs emerges as an antecedent to radical/revolutionary improvements. Managers will benefit from understanding how to achieve successful implementations and business improvements.

L’intelligenza artificiale applicata alla gestione delle Operations e della Supply Chain rappresenta una straordinaria opportunità per la competitività delle aziende. Può infatti impattare in misura rilevante sui costi, sulla produttività degli operatori e degli impianti, sulla qualità dei processi e dei prodotti, sulla riduzione delle scorte, sui livelli di servizio. Tali risultati non sono però scontati. I progetti di adozione dell’IA in ambito industriale sono caratterizzati da livelli di complessità molto elevati, ed è indispensabile essere preparati per poter affrontare e governare la transizione da una gestione tradizionale a quella guidata dagli algoritmi. Gli autori, attraverso casi concreti, descrivono le applicazioni più interessanti, i principali benefici conseguibili e come superare le barriere tecniche e organizzative.