THE INTEGRATION OF TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

Abstract

This article analyses the integration of barcode, radio-frequency identification, global navigation satellite and Internet-of-Things sensor technologies into multimodal freight chains and assesses their effects on the operational resilience and economic efficiency of supply networks, with special reference to the Ukrainian logistics sector. The aim is twofold: (i) to quantify the performance benefits that end-to-end visibility solutions deliver and (ii) to identify the technological, organisational and institutional conditions that shape adoption in an emerging-economy context. The methodology combines a systematic literature review, implemented in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, with complementary meta-analytic and qualitative synthesis techniques. Eligible empirical studies were coded against constructs derived from the resource-based view, supply-chain risk-management theory and innovation-diffusion theory. Random-effects meta-analysis generated pooled effect sizes for four logistics performance indicators—inventory days of supply, order-to-delivery lead time, total logistics cost and disruption-recovery duration—while subgroup analysis and meta-regression explored heterogeneity. Qualitative content analysis mapped the resulting adoption drivers and barriers to the Ukrainian operating environment. The findings indicate statistically significant improvements across all performance dimensions (p < 0.05). On average, inventory levels decline by 18 per cent, lead times shorten by 26 per cent, total logistics costs decrease by 7 per cent and post-disruption recovery accelerates by 32 per cent. Studies conducted in transition economies report effect sizes comparable to those in developed markets when hardware deployment is synchronised with enterprise-resource-planning harmonisation and workforce up-skilling. Within Ukraine, diffusion remains uneven; principal obstacles include high capital requirements, rural network-connectivity gaps, legacy information systems and war-related infrastructure degradation. Successful pilot projects share three characteristics: corridor-wide IoT backbones based on GS1 standards, cloud analytics platforms that interoperate with existing ERPs and public–private financing schemes that pool fixed costs for small carriers. Conclusions. Tracking technologies yield measurable resilience and efficiency gains, yet such gains materialise only when complementary digital, organisational and regulatory capabilities are present. The study proposes a phased adoption roadmap that prioritises (1) national IoT infrastructure along export corridors, (2) modular cloud-based data architectures to lower entry barriers and (3) integration of visibility requirements into post-conflict reconstruction programmes and EU alignment efforts. The findings furnish an evidence-based framework for managerial investment decisions and policy initiatives aimed at modernising logistics under financial constraint and geopolitical uncertainty.