Critical business design factors in the internet of things service supply chain: a review and typology

Abstract

The internet of things (IoT) is a relatively new concept that combines ubiquitous and pervasive computing, sensing and communication technologies, and embedded devices to form a system where the real and digital worlds meet and are continuously in interdependent communication. In this context, IoT acts as an intelligent service supply chain linking objects, information, and people through computer, smart object and sensor networks. This service supply chain creates numerous business design challenges. This article addresses these challenges by providing a cohesive typology matrix to explain the IoT service supply chain. The matrix has been developed through a systematic literature review of 78 academic papers, identifies the key contributors and influences at each stage of the service supply chain and their inter-relationships, to facilitate the rectification of business design and integration challenges that may emerge at the different stages of the sequence.