The interlink between sustainable supply chain management and technology development in industry

The adoption of the green supply chain, reverse logistics, and re-engineering methodologies have paved the way for advanced and sustainable thinking and led to the emergence of new technologies which may facilitate industrial flow processes in a Supply Chain Cycle (SCC). However, the understanding and full application of current evolving techniques are yet to be fully grasped or explored, especially as it pertains to different organizations' operational structure. Cyber-physical systems (CPS), autonomous vehicles, robotics, additive technologies, and alternative energy systems, are under draconian scientific investigations, leading to incredible achievements, with the promise to replace humans in future supply chain operations. Thus, as the technological trend improves into the future, the question is asked, to what extent do the tendencies support sustainability and how secure is the current technology, or the decision to adopt new ones to improve product delivery, material handling and organize storage conservatively without causing havoc in the society. As such, maximize profits while meeting societal satisfaction. In this paper, we assess current trends towards achieving Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) and discuss viable implementation strategy of emerging technologies for the future, its impacts, challenges, and the scope of applicability for increased productivity. In conclusion, we share on how the promulgation and proper management of new and developing industrial technologies are essential to maximize time, minimize cost, and improve the value of employee commitment, and customer contentment.