Standardization of Supply Chain Monitoring Tools for Small and Medium Manufacturing Enterprises

The growing digitalisation of manufacturing supply chains has introduced a desperate requirement of interoperability and visibility amidst the global production networks. Nonetheless, the adoption of advanced methods of supply chain monitoring by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) is notably challenging because of the scarcity of resources, decentralized computer systems, and the lack of unified frameworks. The issue of technological fragmentation is discussed in the review through systematical literature review of the standardization of supply chain monitoring tools and its consequences on competitiveness of SME. The aims were to (1) present technological and organizational trends affecting the use of monitoring, (2) examine the current situation in the standardization efforts, (3) single out the barriers to implementation peculiar to SMEs, and (4) introduce a conceptual framework that would meet the needs of SMEs. The review took manufacturing SMEs as the focal case study, consolidating the results of both empirical and ideational researchers. Findings indicate that IoT, AI, and blockchain technologies have improved monitoring abilities, but the dispersed implementation and varying data standards make the technologies less interoperable. Bringing in standardization, such as the use of International Organization for Standardization, Global Standards and Supply Chain Operations Reference becomes one of the major facilitators of inclusiveness, scalability, and effectiveness. The proposed framework combines technological alignment, organizational preparedness and collaborative ecosystems as mutually supporting pillars in SME digital transformation. Finally, the standardization is a technical and strategic tool that democratizes digital transformation allowing SMEs to be more competitive and sustainable in global value chains. The research provides both theoretical and practical insights to policymakers, consortia in the industry and leaders of SMEs that aim to create fair digital systems.