Review of Digital Supply Chain Models for Cost Control and Operational Continuity

Digital supply chain models have emerged as critical enablers of operational efficiency, cost control, and continuity in complex and dynamic supply chain environments. Modern organizations face increasing pressure to optimize procurement, inventory, logistics, and maintenance processes while ensuring resilience against disruptions arising from market volatility, environmental hazards, and supplier variability. This review examines contemporary digital supply chain frameworks, highlighting their mechanisms for cost reduction, operational continuity, and strategic decision-making, with a focus on integration, automation, and real-time data utilization. Advances in cost control within digital supply chains are achieved through predictive analytics, automation, and data-driven procurement strategies. Predictive models leverage historical and real-time data to forecast demand, optimize inventory levels, and prevent overstocking or stockouts, thereby reducing holding costs and operational inefficiencies. Automation of procurement, financial workflows, and supplier management minimizes manual errors, accelerates processing, and ensures compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements. Integration of supplier performance monitoring and contract management tools further enhances cost-effectiveness by identifying inefficiencies and mitigating risks associated with supplier delays or quality deviations. Operational continuity and resilience are reinforced through digital tools such as IoT-enabled asset monitoring, predictive maintenance, and scenario-based risk management. Real-time tracking of inventory, transportation, and critical infrastructure enables proactive interventions, ensuring that supply chain disruptions are anticipated and mitigated. ERP systems and cloud-based platforms provide centralized control and visibility, facilitating coordination across procurement, logistics, and maintenance functions. These integrated technologies allow organizations to maintain uninterrupted operations, optimize resource allocation, and enhance responsiveness to emergent challenges. Emerging trends in digital supply chains emphasize scalability, cross-sector applicability, and integration with advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain. Challenges such as data quality, cybersecurity, and interoperability remain, highlighting the need for continued research, empirical validation, and refinement of implementation strategies. Digital supply chain models provide a comprehensive approach to cost control and operational continuity by combining predictive analytics, automation, and integrated digital platforms. They enhance efficiency, reduce operational risks, and support strategic resilience across manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and logistics sectors.