Blockchain-Enabled Lean Automation and Risk Mitigation in Supply Chain 4.0 A Systematic Review and Future Directions

Abstract

Supply Chain 4.0, powered by Industry 4.0 technologies, will turn traditional operations into smart and agile systems that are significantly more efficient, resilient, and sustainable. However, most of the available literature related to blockchain enabled supply chains focuses on individual applications such as fraud prevention or logistics optimization, and very few have considered its holistic potential in lean automation and risk mitigation. Besides, limited integration of complementary technologies like IoT and AI, challenges to scalability, interoperability, and regulatory issues are still considered to be crucial implementation obstacles. This review fills these gaps through a systematic analysis of insights from more than 100 peer-reviewed studies across diverse industries, including healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing. It synthesizes the potentials of blockchain in lean automation and operational resilience, providing a conceptual framework for integrating Industry 4.0 technology toward enhanced end-to-end performance in supply chains. Further, the review puts forward workable strategies on how to overcome various barriers to the implementation of such technological integration and pinpoints future research avenues toward fostering sustainability and a human-centered approach to supply chains according to Industry 5.0 principles.  By addressing critical research challenges, this paper offers actionable insights for researchers, policymakers, and industry practitioners to build resilient and transparent global supply chains.