A practical lean tool for advancing supply chain collaboration in uncertain environments under Industry 4.0

Purpose This study aims to explore how intelligent technologies can improve supply chain collaboration (SCC) by addressing the challenges posed by supply chain uncertainty. Specifically, this study proposes an improved value stream map with information entropy (VSM-IE) to visualize SCC activities in uncertain environments, helping decision-makers better understand and enhance supply chain performance. Design/methodology/approach An improved VSM-IE is introduced as a tool to illustrate supply chain activities within SCC, supported by a case study that validates the model. In addition, an optimization model is applied to explore strategies for maximizing SCC performance. This approach leverages the application of intelligent technologies to understand and mitigate the impacts of uncertainty on supply chains. Findings The VSM-IE proves to be a valuable tool for illustrating the impact of intelligent technologies on SCC from a network-wide perspective. This case study reveals how cloud-based integrated supply chain collaboration mechanism and coalition-based supply chain collaboration mechanism offer distinct advantages depending on the context, helping supply chain partners recognize the effects of their actions on overall SCC performance. The optimization model highlights strategies to maximize SCC performance in uncertain environments. Originality/value This research contributes to the field by introducing the VSM-IE as a practical tool for understanding and enhancing SCC in intelligent environments, addressing the gap in existing literature where there is ambiguity regarding the impact of intelligent technologies on SCC. The proposed the optimization model provides new insights into how to maximize performance of SCC in an uncertain environment.