Smart Supply Chain Management Integrating Lean Six Sigma and Industry 4.0–5.0: Framework, Applications, and Challenges for Sustainability and Resilience

Abstract

Despite rapid digital transformation, modern supply chains remain vulnerable, facing demand volatility, supply disruptions, operational inefficiencies, fragmented digital adoption, limited human–AI collaboration, and growing sustainability pressures. Conventional strategies focused on cost reduction and process standardization are no longer sufficient to ensure resilience, adaptability, and long-term value creation. This study presents a Smart Supply Chain Management (SSCM) framework that integrates Lean Six Sigma (LSS) with Industry 4.0 (I4.0) digital technologies and Industry 5.0 (I5.0) human-centric innovations. Implemented through the DMAIC (Define–Measure–Analyze–Improve–Control) methodology, the framework enables predictive, data-driven decision-making, operational excellence, ESG-aligned performance, and enhanced human–AI collaboration. It leverages I4.0 technologies-including AI, IoT, big data analytics, digital twins, and robotics-for real-time visibility, automation, and predictive insights, while embedding I5.0 innovations-such as collaborative robots, AR/VR, human digital twins, and emotional AI-to enhance workforce engagement, creativity, ethical decision-making, and ergonomic safety. Sustainability and social responsibility are integrated across operations, fostering resilient, adaptable, and socially responsible supply chains. By addressing critical digital, human, and operational bottlenecks, this framework delivers novel theoretical insights, actionable guidance for practitioners, and a foundation for future empirical research, offering organizations a roadmap to achieve long-term competitiveness while aligning technology adoption with human-centric and sustainable practices.

Keywords

Smart supply chain management / Lean six sigma / Industry 4.0 / Industry 5.0 / Digital transformation / Operational excellence / Resilience / Sustainability

Statement of the Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies in the Writing Process

The author acknowledges that ChatGPT (OpenAI) was used exclusively for language editing and stylistic refinement of the author’s text, including improvements to clarity, grammar, and academic tone. The tool was not used to generate original scholarly content, data, analyses, or references. The author has carefully reviewed and verified the final manuscript and accept full responsibility for its content.

Ethics Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

All data supporting this study are contained within the article.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Declaration of Competing Interest

The author declares that he has no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

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