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Internet of Things and Supply Chain Efficiency of Food and Beverages Companies in South-South, Nigeria

Orok, Umaji Rita, Ude, Stanleygreen Chibuike, Ikegwuru, Mac-Kingsley

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between the adoption of Internet of Things technologies and supply chain efficiency among food and beverages companies in South-South, Nigeria. Employing an explanatory research design, the study collected data from 384 respondents across 36 randomly selected companies using structured survey questionnaires. Key supply chain efficiency indicators, order fulfillment cycle time and inventory turnover were analyzed using Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient. The findings reveal strong, positive, and statistically significant relationships between IoT adoption and both order fulfillment efficiency and inventory turnover. The results suggest that IoT-enabled systems, including real-time tracking, automated inventory management, and sensor-based monitoring, substantially enhance operational performance by enabling faster, more reliable order processing and optimized inventory control. Despite challenges such as infrastructural limitations and skill gaps, the study concludes that proactive investment in IoT technologies and workforce development can drive significant improvements in supply chain efficiency for companies in the region. The research recommends a collaborative approach among industry stakeholders and policymakers to address implementation barriers and accelerate the digital transformation of supply chains in Nigeria's food and beverage sector.

Keywords

Internet of ThingsSupply Chain EfficiencyOrder Fulfillment Cycle TimeInventory Turnover.

References

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