Human-Machine Interaction in Future Chemical Supply Chain Management: A Conceptual Framework

Abstract

One of the most important pillars of the global economy is the chemical industry. It is complex and needs to be run like a well-oiled machine owing to its length. The chemical supply chain usually extends from manufacturers to distributors, retailers, and consumers. Balancing all dynamics and stakeholders (chemical manufacturers, distributors, and retailers) makes it difficult to maintain smooth operations. A complex supply chain with producers, distributors, and retailers in the chemical sector is vital. The human-machine interface is located at the interface between the biosphere and the technosphere, thus integrated with natural sciences, biological sciences, and techno-sciences. The task of chemical manufacturers is to overcome challenges such as low visibility, quality-assured standards for production planning, coordination of material delivery, and management of hazardous chemicals and inventory levels for cost reduction. Human-machine interaction (HMI) is used by the chemical industry for particular purposes (production optimization, risk assessment, and inventory management). In this study, we proposed models using HMI to combat problems such as optimization and risk assessment. This will help supply chain management in the transparency of inventory and correct demand signals, making it clear to provide maximum performance across all levels.