Investigating Strategies for Implementing Resilience Based on Industry 4.0 in the Electricity Supply Chain: A Combination of Soft and Hard Operational Research

Abstract

Resilience is one of the most crucial parameters in the electricity supply chain, and the absence of this concept can lead to various issues in service provision. One perspective that can greatly contribute to resilience is utilizing the Industry 4.0 approach. This study examines the challenges and strategies for the flexibility of the electricity supply chain in the Industry 4.0 era. A descriptive-analytical method employing library research and field studies has been employed. Subsequently, using the factors and criteria obtained from Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) from Soft Operational Research and verification by literature, a fuzzy IVIF-WASPAS-based analysis was conducted. The decision-making team comprised internal experts in the electricity supply chain in Iran, focusing on the principles of resilience in the Industry 4.0 era to analyze key issues. A case study was also conducted within the electricity supply chain, incorporating insights from academic experts and the team's experiences. Strategies like smart network systems, blockchain technology, cybersecurity, and education are fundamental to enhancing the supply chain's flexibility. This study's findings indicate a long journey in developing Industry 4.0 in Iran's electricity supply chain. However, relying on the proposed strategies can minimize existing issues and propel the system toward growth.

Keywords

• electricity supply chain
• industry 4.0
• fuzzy ivif-waspas
• value-focused thinking
• soft operational research