An empirical study on technology adoption and supply chain optimization using structural modeling

This study examines the direct impact of Industry 4.0 on supply chain performance, focusing on the mediating role of coordination and integration. Data were collected via a questionnaire targeting companies active in the Iranian polyethylene supply chain and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS). Coordination and integration partially mediate this relationship and facilitate improved operational efficiency. The polyethylene industry faces significant challenges, including poor upstream-downstream coordination, supply-demand imbalances, and limited production quotas. Industry 4.0 technologies, including the Internet of Things, big data analytics, and automation, offer innovative solutions to these barriers, thereby increasing the resilience and sustainability of the supply chain. The findings show that Industry 4.0 has a significant impact on supply chain performance by enabling real-time data sharing and process optimization. This research demonstrates how adopting advanced Industry 4.0 technologies, such as the Internet of Things, big data analytics, and automation, can specifically enhance supply chain coordination, data transparency, and predictive decision-making. In the Iranian polyethylene industry, these technologies enable real-time monitoring of material flows, enhance collaboration between upstream and downstream partners, and reduce disruptions caused by sanctions and market volatility. The study provides practical implications for Iranian policymakers and managers, including developing digital infrastructure, establishing integrated information platforms, and promoting data-driven strategies to achieve sustainable and resilient supply chain performance.