Navigating the waves of change and ripples of challenges in the water supply chain sector

Abstract

ENGLISH : The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has ushered in a transformative era for industries worldwide, including the water sector. This paper investigates the difficulties that are encountered and the changes that are required in water sector supply chain management amid the 4IR. A comprehensive analysis of scholarly articles, research papers, and industry reports provides insights into the evolving dynamics of water supply chains. The review identifies challenges such as data integration complexities, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, budget constraints, regulatory intricacies, skills gaps, environmental sustainability concerns, infrastructure compatibility issues, data privacy dilemmas, resource limitations, socio-political factors, and geographical disparities. These are critically examined within their contextual frameworks, highlighting their significance for the water sector. This paper is valuable for researchers, policymakers, water utility professionals, and stakeholders seeking a comprehensive understanding of water sector supply chain management’s intricate challenges and transformative changes during the 4IR. This paper could also assist in illuminating water-related problems and solutions.

AFRIKAANS : Die Vierde Industriële Revolusie (4IR) het 'n transformerende era vir nywerhede wêreldwyd ingelui, insluitend die watersektor. Hierdie artikel delf in die uitdagings wat teëgekom word en die veranderinge wat nodig is in watersektor voorsieningskettingbestuur te midde van die 4IR. 'n Omvattende ontleding van vakkundige artikels, navorsingsartikels en bedryfsverslae bied insig in die ontwikkelende dinamika van watervoorsieningskettings. Die oorsig identifiseer uitdagings soos data integrasie kompleksiteit, kwesbaarheid met betrekking tot kuberveiligheid, begrotingsbeperkings, regulatoriese verwikkeldheid, vaardigheidsgapings, omgewingsvolhoubaarheidskwessies, infrastruktuurversoenbaarheidskwessies, data-privaatheidsdilemmas, hulpbronbeperkinge, sosio-politieke faktore en geografiese ongelykhede. Dit word krities ondersoek binne hul kontekstuele raamwerke, wat hul betekenis vir die watersektor beklemtoon. Hierdie artikel behoort waardevol te wees vir navorsers, beleidmakers, professionele mense in waternutsdienste en belanghebbendes wat 'n omvattende begrip soek van watersektorvoorsieningskettingbestuur se ingewikkelde uitdagings en transformerende veranderinge tydens die 4IR. Hierdie artikel kan ook help om waterverwante probleme en oplossings te belig.