Investigating the Technological Impact on RMG Supply Chain: A Post-Pandemic Scenario

This study investigates the technological transformation of Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garment (RMG) supply chain in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on operational efficiency, supply chain resilience, and environmental sustainability. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research draws on primary data from 249 experienced RMG professionals and secondary sources, including industry reports and academic literature. The analysis is structured around the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework, which elucidates how internal capabilities, technological readiness, and external pressures collectively shape digital adoption. Findings reveal that technologies such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Blockchain are increasingly integrated into supply chain processes, enhancing lead time efficiency, defect detection, traceability, and compliance. However, implementation is constrained by capital intensity, skill shortages, infrastructural limitations, and interoperability issues. Despite these challenges, external forces, including buyer mandates, regulatory shifts, and government support, are accelerating the sector’s digital evolution. This study contributes to the emerging literature on technology-driven supply chain management in developing economies and offers actionable insights for policymakers, global buyers, and industry leaders seeking to foster a resilient, ethical, and future-ready RMG ecosystem.