IS THE CONCEPT OF BIG DATA RELEVANT IN SUPPLY CHAIN LOGISTICS? A REVIEW

Abstract

In this era of unprecedented digital data generation spanning the past two decades, the concept of Big Data (BD) has emerged as a powerful phenomenon. This paradigm shift extends to the healthcare sector, where a plethora of data originates from diverse sources, including electronic patient records and medical equipment. Despite the growing interest in applying big data analytics (BDA) to supply chain management (SCM) from both academia and industry, its exploration within the healthcare domain remains limited. Unlike its counterparts in business and manufacturing, the healthcare supply chain has yet to fully realize the potential of BDA, leading to performance disparities and the underutilization of best practices. In response, this review endeavors to delve into the existing literature concerning the application of big data in the healthcare supply chain, aiming to discern its pertinence. Through meticulous filtering, 56 primary studies were meticulously scrutinized and categorized from an initial pool of 5,626, in pursuit of addressing four key research inquiries. The findings underscore the transformative potential of big data within healthcare, with procurement, demand forecasting, inventory management, logistics, and quality assurance emerging as prominent applications. This potential is nurtured by a conducive environment shaped by various facilitating factors, although certain inhibitory elements are also evident. By offering a comprehensive analysis of the literature, this study not only highlights the focal points of ongoing research but also establishes a bridge between theoretical understanding and practical implementation. It serves as a foundation for future research endeavors, shedding light on pivotal areas and paving the way for a deeper comprehension of these domains in practice.