Systematic Literature Review: Cold Store Warehouse Management System Implementation in the Western Cape Fruit Sector

This systematic literature review examines the challenges of implementing cold storage warehouse management systems in the Western Cape fruit sector, with attention to complexities unique to contexts found in developing countries. The research addresses one main research question and three sub-questions exploring implementation challenges, critical success factors, and change management strategies. A search of seven databases covering publications from 2004 to 2024 was conducted using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure rigorous study selection. The review synthesised findings from 63 articles across 24 countries, revealing that challenges in warehouse management systems implementation can be categorised into three primary dimensions: technical, organisational, and human. The findings demonstrate that the successful implementation of warehouse management systems in cold storage environments requires an integrated approach that simultaneously addresses all three dimensions rather than focusing on the technical aspects alone. This holistic perspective is crucial in developing-country contexts where resource constraints, infrastructure limitations, and organisational capacity may present additional barriers to effective technology adoption and sustainable system implementation.