Design of the digital supply chain maturity model: Scale development and case study

Environmental problems, crises, resource scarcity and global competition in the world increase the complexity of supply chain networks and reveal the weak links of the chain. Organizations that want to remain resilient and competitive are looking to create more unique experiences for their customers, provide higher quality service, and design more efficient operational processes by leveraging digital technologies. These organizations, which want to obtain new revenue streams, are initiating a digital change and transformation movement that requires a change in corporate mindset along with Industry 4.0 technologies. In order to manage this transformation process with the least cost and in the most successful way, it is useful to act with a strategic road map. A literature review and interviews with experts have shown the need for a comprehensive, systematic and measurable maturity model for supply chains. The aim of this study is to propose a "Digital Supply Chain Maturity Model" that can guide organizations to measure the current status of their supply chains in the digital transformation process initiated by Industry 4.0 and to reach the next level of maturity by making the necessary improvements. Methodologically, this study is based on design science research. In the research, Becker et al. (2009) model development steps are followed, based on scientific foundations for supply chains; a comprehensive, systematic and measurable maturity model was tried to be prepared. The designed model consists of 5 levels that allow an organization to evaluate itself, and 4 defined basic dimensions and 50 qualitative abilities assigned to them. The basic dimensions of the model, which was designed by using the literature and expert opinions, were named as "Digital Strategy", "Digital Organization", "Operational Process Management" and "Customer Value Management". In order to facilitate the use of the model, a "Digital Maturity Scale" was developed in which organizations can make their own self-assessments and the model was tried to be transformed into a practical tool. In order to show how the model can be applied, the model was tested by performing multiple case studies and action plans were created for the cases. The results of the case study show that the proposed model can reflect the supply chain maturity levels of organizations, is easy to use, their cross-stage activities are understandable, and the model is applicable. This model can guide their digital transformation by providing important information to organizations that want to improve their digital capabilities.