Internet of Materials: A FANTASY OR THE FUTURE? An explorative study on the Internet of Material, including the impact of datafication & digital technologies on material recovery in the supply chain industry, and its contribution towards a Circular Economy.

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2021-07-06
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en
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Purpose – The integration of disruptive technologies (i.e. IoT, Machine Learning) and Datafication as one, a concept that is known as the Internet of Materials (IoM), is underexposed in academic literature. This thesis contributes to literature by describing the content (roles, goals and process) of the IoM concept; proposing a conceptual framework that explains the involved (Industry 4.0) technologies and its benefits; and identifying how IoM can be used to benefit the Circular Economy by using circular (business) strategies. Methodology – In this research thesis, a systematic ‘literature review methodology’ of the Circular Economy and the Industry 4.0 was conducted. Furthermore, empirical data was obtained from semi-structured interviews to support academic literature findings and identify practical applications. Findings – The goals of IoM (provide insight in material degradation, product redesign, material tracking and the quantified-self) have positive effects on Circular Supply Chain Management and contributes to a Circular Economy by enhancing closed-loop material/product life-cycles and by proposing (material-) efficiency in manufacturing operations and logistic operations. Practical implications – Refinement of circular business models & strategies; Improve inter-supply-chain collaborations. Change mindset of management to prioritize sustainable investments. Future research – “To what extent does the adaptation of more complex digital technologies benefit the IoM configuration?”; “What is the cost vs benefit ratio of integrating an IoM into organizations?”; “Does high-energy consumption of Deep Learning techniques limit the applicability of deep learning oriented IoM configurations?”.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen
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