Internet of behaviors: conceptual model, practical and theoretical implications for supply chain and operations management

The Internet of Behaviours (IoB) is a network designed and used for replicating, understanding, predicting, and influencing human behaviour through data analytics. This study aims to advance our understanding of how the IoB will impact supply chain and operations management (SCOM). Based on a combination of the existing IoB frameworks with industrial Metaverse and digital supply chain twins, we propose a framework for IoB in SCOM encompassing management, organisation, and technology dimensions. We conclude that the IoB will impact a multitude of SCOM areas such as supply chain design, demand forecasting, sales and operations planning, distribution and transportation, inventory and production management, sourcing strategy and purchasing, vehicle routeing, supply chain resilience and sustainability. We offer a structured future research agenda pointing to new research questions and topics stemming from IoB-driven real-time visibility, data analytics, and remote control. Methodology of SCOM can also be enriched by the IoB through a combination of artificial intelligence and digital technology with operations research and behavioural operations management.