Supply chain traceability: a review of the benefits and its relationship with supply chain resilience

Abstract There has been considerable recent growth in supply chain (SC) traceability research due to increased Industry 4.0 solutions and the potential of traceability systems to enable SCs to bounce back from a crisis, thereby having a long-term impact on firm/SC performance. However, to date, the relationship between SC traceability and SC Resilience (SCRes) has not been fully explored. Using a systematic literature review, this paper first provides a comprehensive state-of-the-art understanding of traceability to enable an appreciation of the inherent benefits of its implementation and its role in the improvement of SCRes. Building on this understanding, a conceptual framework is developed showing that there is a direct relationship between traceability benefits, such as improved risk awareness, and SCRes. The framework also demonstrates indirect relationships between these benefits and four enablers of SCRes: flexibility, velocity, visibility and collaboration. Finally, a future research agenda is proposed, including further development of this conceptual framework.