Internet of Things in Construction Supply Chain Management: A Review of Applications, Challenges, Integration Pathways, and Future Directions

Hayford Pittri; Godawatte Arachchige Gimhan Rathnagee Godawatte; Alan Mark Forster

doi:10.1108/JEDT-09-2025-0487

Internet of Things in Construction Supply Chain Management: A Review of Applications, Challenges, Integration Pathways, and Future Directions

Hayford Pittri^*
, Godawatte Arachchige Gimhan Rathnagee Godawatte
, Alan Mark Forster

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

6 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Purpose
Despite extensive research on Internet of Things (IoT) applications in the construction industry, there remains a critical gap in understanding its systematic implementation and effectiveness, specifically within construction supply chain management (CSCM). This study aims to provide a systematic review of IoT applications in CSCM, highlighting their current applications, associated challenges and emerging integration pathways.

Design/methodology/approach
A PRISMA-based systematic literature review was conducted, drawing on 28 peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers from Scopus and Web of Science for bibliometric and qualitative content analysis.

Findings
The review shows that IoT has moved from isolated tracking solutions (e.g. Radio Frequency Identification-based logistics) to integrated ecosystems that combine Building Information Modelling, blockchain and digital twins to enhance visibility, traceability and coordination. Applications span areas such as real-time tracking, logistics optimisation, risk management, sustainability reporting and automated financial trust mechanisms (e.g. IoT-enabled smart contracts). However, widespread adoption is constrained by technical limitations, data governance issues, trust and cybersecurity concerns, organisational inertia and uncertain return on investment (ROI). The findings of this study highlight that IoT’s transformative value lies in its integration with complementary digital technologies, creating interoperable, governance-driven systems that improve collaboration, resilience and sustainability.

Originality/value
This study consolidates fragmented knowledge on IoT in CSCM, offering a structured synthesis of the construction supply chain’s current landscape. This review contributes a foundational roadmap for researchers and practical guidance for industry stakeholders seeking to leverage IoT for enhanced transparency, efficiency and sustainability in construction supply chains.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	1-26
Number of pages	26
Journal	Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology
Early online date	29 Jan 2026
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-09-2025-0487
Publication status	E-pub ahead of print - 29 Jan 2026

Keywords

Blockchain
Construction supply chain management
Integration pathways
Internet of Things (IoT)
Sustainability
Systematic literature review

ASJC Scopus subject areas

General Engineering

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10.1108/JEDT-09-2025-0487

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Cite this

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title = "Internet of Things in Construction Supply Chain Management: A Review of Applications, Challenges, Integration Pathways, and Future Directions",

abstract = "Purpose Despite extensive research on Internet of Things (IoT) applications in the construction industry, there remains a critical gap in understanding its systematic implementation and effectiveness, specifically within construction supply chain management (CSCM). This study aims to provide a systematic review of IoT applications in CSCM, highlighting their current applications, associated challenges and emerging integration pathways. Design/methodology/approach A PRISMA-based systematic literature review was conducted, drawing on 28 peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers from Scopus and Web of Science for bibliometric and qualitative content analysis. Findings The review shows that IoT has moved from isolated tracking solutions (e.g. Radio Frequency Identification-based logistics) to integrated ecosystems that combine Building Information Modelling, blockchain and digital twins to enhance visibility, traceability and coordination. Applications span areas such as real-time tracking, logistics optimisation, risk management, sustainability reporting and automated financial trust mechanisms (e.g. IoT-enabled smart contracts). However, widespread adoption is constrained by technical limitations, data governance issues, trust and cybersecurity concerns, organisational inertia and uncertain return on investment (ROI). The findings of this study highlight that IoT{\textquoteright}s transformative value lies in its integration with complementary digital technologies, creating interoperable, governance-driven systems that improve collaboration, resilience and sustainability. Originality/value This study consolidates fragmented knowledge on IoT in CSCM, offering a structured synthesis of the construction supply chain{\textquoteright}s current landscape. This review contributes a foundational roadmap for researchers and practical guidance for industry stakeholders seeking to leverage IoT for enhanced transparency, efficiency and sustainability in construction supply chains.",

keywords = "Blockchain, Construction supply chain management, Integration pathways, Internet of Things (IoT), Sustainability, Systematic literature review",

author = "Hayford Pittri and Godawatte, \{Godawatte Arachchige Gimhan Rathnagee\} and Forster, \{Alan Mark\}",

year = "2026",

month = jan,

day = "29",

doi = "10.1108/JEDT-09-2025-0487",

language = "English",

pages = "1--26",

journal = "Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology",

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Internet of Things in Construction Supply Chain Management: A Review of Applications, Challenges, Integration Pathways, and Future Directions. / Pittri, Hayford; Godawatte, Godawatte Arachchige Gimhan Rathnagee; Forster, Alan Mark.
In: Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 29.01.2026, p. 1-26.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review

TY - JOUR

T1 - Internet of Things in Construction Supply Chain Management: A Review of Applications, Challenges, Integration Pathways, and Future Directions

AU - Pittri, Hayford

AU - Godawatte, Godawatte Arachchige Gimhan Rathnagee

AU - Forster, Alan Mark

PY - 2026/1/29

Y1 - 2026/1/29

N2 - Purpose Despite extensive research on Internet of Things (IoT) applications in the construction industry, there remains a critical gap in understanding its systematic implementation and effectiveness, specifically within construction supply chain management (CSCM). This study aims to provide a systematic review of IoT applications in CSCM, highlighting their current applications, associated challenges and emerging integration pathways. Design/methodology/approach A PRISMA-based systematic literature review was conducted, drawing on 28 peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers from Scopus and Web of Science for bibliometric and qualitative content analysis. Findings The review shows that IoT has moved from isolated tracking solutions (e.g. Radio Frequency Identification-based logistics) to integrated ecosystems that combine Building Information Modelling, blockchain and digital twins to enhance visibility, traceability and coordination. Applications span areas such as real-time tracking, logistics optimisation, risk management, sustainability reporting and automated financial trust mechanisms (e.g. IoT-enabled smart contracts). However, widespread adoption is constrained by technical limitations, data governance issues, trust and cybersecurity concerns, organisational inertia and uncertain return on investment (ROI). The findings of this study highlight that IoT’s transformative value lies in its integration with complementary digital technologies, creating interoperable, governance-driven systems that improve collaboration, resilience and sustainability. Originality/value This study consolidates fragmented knowledge on IoT in CSCM, offering a structured synthesis of the construction supply chain’s current landscape. This review contributes a foundational roadmap for researchers and practical guidance for industry stakeholders seeking to leverage IoT for enhanced transparency, efficiency and sustainability in construction supply chains.

AB - Purpose Despite extensive research on Internet of Things (IoT) applications in the construction industry, there remains a critical gap in understanding its systematic implementation and effectiveness, specifically within construction supply chain management (CSCM). This study aims to provide a systematic review of IoT applications in CSCM, highlighting their current applications, associated challenges and emerging integration pathways. Design/methodology/approach A PRISMA-based systematic literature review was conducted, drawing on 28 peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers from Scopus and Web of Science for bibliometric and qualitative content analysis. Findings The review shows that IoT has moved from isolated tracking solutions (e.g. Radio Frequency Identification-based logistics) to integrated ecosystems that combine Building Information Modelling, blockchain and digital twins to enhance visibility, traceability and coordination. Applications span areas such as real-time tracking, logistics optimisation, risk management, sustainability reporting and automated financial trust mechanisms (e.g. IoT-enabled smart contracts). However, widespread adoption is constrained by technical limitations, data governance issues, trust and cybersecurity concerns, organisational inertia and uncertain return on investment (ROI). The findings of this study highlight that IoT’s transformative value lies in its integration with complementary digital technologies, creating interoperable, governance-driven systems that improve collaboration, resilience and sustainability. Originality/value This study consolidates fragmented knowledge on IoT in CSCM, offering a structured synthesis of the construction supply chain’s current landscape. This review contributes a foundational roadmap for researchers and practical guidance for industry stakeholders seeking to leverage IoT for enhanced transparency, efficiency and sustainability in construction supply chains.

KW - Blockchain

KW - Construction supply chain management

KW - Integration pathways

KW - Internet of Things (IoT)

KW - Sustainability

KW - Systematic literature review

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105028876973

U2 - 10.1108/JEDT-09-2025-0487

DO - 10.1108/JEDT-09-2025-0487

M3 - Review article

SN - 1726-0531

SP - 1

EP - 26

JO - Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology

JF - Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology

ER -

Internet of Things in Construction Supply Chain Management: A Review of Applications, Challenges, Integration Pathways, and Future Directions

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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