Key embrace factors for designing sustainable supply chains in Egyptian Industry 4.0

PurposeThis study explores the key embrace factors for designing supply chains in Industry 4.0 to improve sustainability practices with respect to the triple bottom line.Design/methodology/approachThe theoretical underpinnings of this study were strengthened by a qualitative method that included an interview process within the framework of a holistic case study. Data collected through 38 remote interviews with representatives of 17 Egyptian companies that are actively using Industry 4.0.FindingsThe thematic analysis identified 6 main categories in addition to 32 economic, environmental, and social key embrace factors. Further, an integrated model was established to show how various key embrace factors can be included in the evaluation of the Supply chain. 64.7% of interviewees affirmed that these factors were deemed to be the most important and influential key factors.Practical implicationsThe global contribution is mainly to facilitate additional eco-friendly initiatives to gain a competitive advantage through environmentally responsible practices, which reflects the strengthening of the sustainable supply chain with the involvement of all the interested parties.Social implicationsThis study expands on previous research papers to underline 20 new global key embrace factors, including 9 social, 7 economic, and 4 environmental key embrace factors.Originality/valueThe Key embrace factors discovered and addressed in this paper provide a unique theoretical guideline to plan and popularize this integration process. The integrated approach assists in the review of existing supply chains or the creation of new ones.