IMPACT OF IOT AND BLOCKCHAIN INTEGRATION ON REAL-TIME SUPPLY CHAIN TRANSPARENCY

Abstract

This study investigated how Internet of Things (IoT) adoption intensity, blockchain deployment intensity, and their combined IoT–blockchain integration capability shaped real-time supply chain transparency and related operational performance. Drawing on a focused review of 78 peer-reviewed empirical papers, the study defined real-time transparency as a multidimensional latent capability reflected in timeliness of visibility, traceability completeness across tiers, integrity and trustworthiness of shared records, and accessibility/auditability for stakeholders. A cross-sectional explanatory design was applied using firm-level survey data from transparency-critical sectors including food and agro-processing, pharmaceuticals and healthcare distribution, manufacturing/apparel export chains, and e-commerce logistics. After screening, 312 valid responses were retained. Constructs were measured with validated five-point Likert scales and analyzed using PLS-SEM to accommodate second-order integration capability modeling, mediation, and interaction testing. Descriptive statistics indicated moderate-to-high technology intensity (IoT M = 3.71, SD = 0.68; blockchain M = 3.54, SD = 0.74) but comparatively lower integration capability (M = 3.29, SD = 0.63). Transparency baselines were highest for timeliness (M = 3.83, SD = 0.59) and traceability completeness (M = 3.76, SD = 0.61), with wider dispersion in integrity/trust and accessibility/auditability. The measurement model showed strong reliability and validity (Cronbach’s alpha = .86–.92; composite reliability = .90–.94; AVE = .62–.69; HTMT ratios below conservative cutoffs), and collinearity diagnostics remained acceptable (VIF range = 1.33–2.11). Structural results supported all hypotheses. IoT intensity significantly predicted timeliness and granularity aspects of transparency (β = 0.31, p < .001), while blockchain intensity significantly predicted integrity/trust aspects (β = 0.27, p < .001). Integration capability exerted the strongest direct effect on overall transparency (β = 0.42, p < .001) and increased explained variance from R² = 0.46 to R² = 0.59 (ΔR² = 0.13). A significant interaction effect confirmed synergy between IoT and blockchain intensities (β = 0.14, p = .003). Trust and information quality partially mediated the integration–transparency relationship (total indirect β = 0.18), and transparency significantly predicted operational performance (β = 0.39, p < .001), confirming partial mediation from integration to performance through transparency.