Mapping the critical factors of IoT implementation in the food industry

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionising the food industry by enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability, while food businesses have observed a slow adoption of IoT. This paper delves into the key factors influencing IoT implementation in the food industry. The key factors influencing the implementation of IoT technology in the food industry have been examined using a hybrid Fuzzy-DEMATEL (Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) approach to understand the complex interrelationships. The findings indicate that the company's financial position, managerial support, and competitive pressure are the major causal factors. These causal factors impact the complexity of usage and the existing policies and standards towards the decision to implement IoT in the food industry. The outcomes of this research are highly valuable for researchers, managers, and policymakers in providing insights for effectively strategising the implementation of IoT technology and thereby maximising its potential in the food industry towards traceability, transparency and sustainability as well as further developing models and SDGs.