Unblocking Operational Excellence: The Role of Digital Transformation in Optimising the Oil and Gas Supply Chains

Abstract

Digital transformation is increasingly recognised as a systemic enabler of operational excellence in oil and gas supply chains, where volatility, and regulatory demands exceed traditional efficiency tools. This study investigates how four technologies -the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, and digital twins- contribute through alignment. Using a qualitative, interpretivist approach, a systematic literature review and thematic analysis of 36 peer-reviewed studies identified five themes: predictive and AI-enabled performance, real-time visibility, integration bottlenecks, blockchain for compliance, and organisational fitness. Results show that integration maturity consistently outperforms novelty in driving value, while tensions such as explainability versus latency and governance versus agility shape adoption outcomes. The dissertation advances a conceptual framework linking digital enablers to Operational excellence through a “stacked capability” logic and offers practical recommendations for oil and gas leaders. Ultimately, digital transformation emerges not as a linear solution but as a discipline of orchestration that enables reliable, scalable, and trusted operational performance.