The Importance and benefits of applying smart technologies in the supply chain: the case of AB "Rokiškio sūris"

ENThis scientific article explores the benefits of implementing smart technologies in supply chain management, focusing on the case of AB "Rokiškio sūris". It emphasizes the importance of adapting research knowledge to smart technologies within supply chains and their application benefits. The study aims to assess potential benefits and challenges, including obstacles related to integrating smart technologies into the supply chain of a dairy sector company. Through a methodology developed by the author for researching smart technology application in companies, areas for improvement and assumptions for innovative technology implementations are revealed. It reviews the most potentially beneficial smart technologies for enhancing a company's supply chain. According to Strandhagen et al. (2017), the use of smart technologies in corporate practices reduces unnecessary operations, makes processes smarter and clearer, decreases labor demand, minimizes paperwork, boosts productivity, changes the methods of information access and processing, improves analysis and control mechanisms, increases profit, and is a key factor in rapid growth and development. The implementation of smart technologies is an ongoing process in logistics, contributing not only to operational efficiency but also to ecological sustainability and CO2 reduction. The study focuses on the application of smart technologies in supply chains as companies seek more efficient and sustainable operational solutions. Using scientific literature analysis and synthesis, case analysis, and expert surveys, significant conclusions are drawn from the data collected. The results indicate that smart technologies reduce unnecessary operations, make processes clearer, decrease labor demand, minimize paperwork, enhance productivity, and contribute to rapid growth and sustainability.Based on the findings, recommendations are provided for companies to efficiently select smart technologies for their supply chains. For companies addressing efficiency improvements through smart technologies, it's crucial to correctly identify problems and establish criteria for selecting potential solutions. If a company is large enough and has significant experience in implementing various smart technologies, its specialists can serve as experts in selecting the most significant criteria and participating in further innovation selection and implementation processes. Keywords: logistics, supply chain, smart technologies, Industry 4.0, digitalization, artificial intelligence. [From the publication]