Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Management

Identifying the Requirements for Supply Chain in Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG): A Thematic Analysis Approach

Document Type : Research/ Original/ Regular Article

Authors
Golsum Akbari Arbatan 1
Mohammad Bashokuoh Ajirlu 2
ghasem zarei 2
naser seiffollahi 2
1 Ph.D. student, Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
2 Prof, Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili. Ardabil, Iran.
10.47176/scmj.2026.1669
Abstract
Given the requirements of the 4.0 industry and the increasing competitiveness in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, this study aims to provide a pioneering theoretical framework to identify the requirements and paths for implementing a smart supply chain in this industry. The main goal is to provide insights and practical strategies for FMCG companies to systematically transition to a smart supply chain. The present study was conducted with a qualitative approach and using semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using the content analysis method and ultimately led to the development of a model. The statistical population included academic experts familiar with the field of supply chain and the FMCG industry, 11 of whom were selected through purposive sampling. The sample size was determined based on the theoretical saturation rule. The results of data analysis led to the identification of concepts in the form of 5 main themes including acceptance process, participation, culture building, process synchronization and supply chain smartization, and were examined at four levels: physical, organizational, data and technology. The main innovation of the research is to provide a comprehensive and multi-level framework as an operational roadmap for supply chain intelligence in the FMCG industry. The findings show that systematic implementation of this framework can lead to improved transparency, enhanced service quality, increased operational agility, and ultimately enhanced competitive advantage and business growth in the digital space. This framework can be used as a practical basis for decision-making by managers and policymakers in the FMCG industry.
Keywords
Smart Supply Chain
Digital Transformation
Integration Strategy
FMCG
Subjects

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Supply Chain Management
Volume 28, Issue 91 - Serial Number 91
Serial number 91. Summer 2026
Summer 2026
Pages 1-20

  • Receive Date 23 September 2025
  • Revise Date 15 December 2025
  • Accept Date 06 June 2026
  • Publish Date 23 August 2026