The Contribution of Digital Technologies to Supply Chain Sustainability: A Theoretical Analysis of Next-Generation Information Systems

Abstract

Growing economic, environmental, and social pressures are compelling organizations to redesign their supply chain practices to achieve greater sustainability. In this context, information systems (IS) have emerged as strategic enablers that support both operational excellence and sustainable supply chain management. This paper aims to examine the contribution of next-generation information systems to supply chain sustainability through a comprehensive theoretical analysis. The study adopts a systematic review of the literature to synthesize existing knowledge on the role of digital technologies, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and digital twins. The findings indicate that these technologies enhance the economic dimension of sustainability by optimizing resource utilization and reducing operational costs, improve environmental performance through lower carbon emissions and more efficient resource management, and strengthen the social dimension by increasing transparency, traceability, collaboration, and accountability across supply chain networks. Drawing on the Triple Bottom Line framework together with the Resource-Based View and Dynamic Capabilities Theory, the paper highlights information systems as key drivers of sustainable supply chain transformation. The study contributes to the literature by proposing an integrative conceptual framework that explains the mechanisms through which information systems create sustainable value within modern supply chains and identifies promising directions for future research on digitalization, technological innovation, and sustainable logistics.