Developing a Model for the Adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the Supply Chain: A Case Study of the Iranian Automotive Industry

Subject Areas :

ALi Jantarani ¹ , Masoud Barati ^{2 *} , Arash Shahin ³ , Mohammad Talari ⁴

1 - Department of Management, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
2 - Department of Management, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
3 - Department of Management, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics, University of Isfahan, Iran
4 - Business Department, Hazrat-e Masoumeh University, Qom, Iran

Received: 2025-02-11 Accepted : 2025-04-29 Published : 2025-05-09

Keywords: Internet of Things (IoT), Industrial Internet of Things, Automotive Industry, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Based on Industrial Internet of Things,

Abstract :

This study aims to develop a comprehensive model for the adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the supply chain of Iran’s automotive industry. Employing a grounded theory approach, qualitative research was conducted through specialized interviews with industry professionals and academic experts in 2021. Data analysis was carried out based on the Strauss and Corbin paradigm model. The findings revealed multiple factors influencing the adoption of IoT, categorized into causal, contextual, and intervening conditions. Key causal factors included organizational, social (environmental), managerial, industrial, and economic (financial) dimensions. Contextual conditions highlighted the maturity of supply chain partners, technological readiness, and supply chain capabilities. Intervening conditions were identified as cultural, security, technical, and financial challenges. The core implementation strategies involved establishing technological infrastructure, fostering an organizational culture, engaging in strategic planning, and promoting institutional specialization. Central themes such as transparency, participation, and technological innovation emerged as critical to the research findings. IoT applications were found to have significant implications across organizational, financial, social, and systemic dimensions. Ultimately, the results underscore the imperative for the automotive industry to embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution and leverage IoT to enhance productivity and align with global production standards.

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