The smart supply chain management: Huawei's innovative approach

What the paper says

Purpose This study examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing supply chain performance through a case study of Huawei's ISC + project. It investigates how AI-driven decision-making, self-learning algorithms and digital twin technologies contribute to optimising logistics operations, improving resilience and enabling data-driven risk management in real time. Design/methodology/approach Adopting a qualitative single-case study approach, the research analyses secondary data from corporate reports, industry publications and peer-reviewed sources. It focuses on Huawei's integration of AI with information and communication technologies (ICT), including the Internet of Things (IoT) and global positioning systems (GPS), to advance transparency, coordination and operational agility. Findings The findings reveal that Huawei's deployment of AI and supply chain visualisation systems has improved decision-making accuracy, reduced lead times and enhanced resource utilisation. The integration of digital twins and real-time analytics has strengthened Huawei's capacity to predict disruptions, optimise workflows and support continuous business growth. Practical implications The study offers practical insights for organisations seeking to modernise their supply chains through digital transformation. However, further research involving multi-case and longitudinal designs is needed to validate the generalisability of AI strategies and to address emerging concerns related to data governance and system interoperability. Originality/value This research provides an integrated analytical perspective on the convergence of AI, digital twins and supply chain management. Unlike prior studies that examine these technologies in isolation, this study highlights their synergistic role in fostering agility, resilience and sustainable competitiveness, using Huawei's ISC + initiative as an empirical reference.