Digital Transformation, Supply Chain Visibility, and Logistics Performance in Saudi Cement Logistics: A Descriptive-Analytical Literature Review

Abstract

In the cement industry, digital transformation is one of the key enablers for increased logistics efficiency, operability and supply chain integration. The key attributes of the cement supply chain in Saudi Arabia are that the demand centers are geographically spread out, the volume of transportation is high, logistics coordination is difficult among the fleets, the transportation delay is at the factory gate level and the need for reliable delivery performance. The descriptive-analytical approach of literature review has been adopted in this study to understand the role of digital transformation in supply chain visibility and logistics performance in Saudi cement logistics. The literature was examined and thematically analyzed in the context of three primary dimensions: digital logistics technologies, supply chain visibility and logistics performance outcomes. Technologies reviewed were GPS tracking, telematics, enterprise resource planning systems, Geographic Information Systems, artificial intelligence, digital dashboards and gate-system integration. The results show that digital transformation can impact logistics performance by increasing the connection of the real-time shipment monitoring, facilitating information sharing, assisting in route planning, coordinating dispatch, minimizing operational delays, and allowing data-driven decision-making. The analysis also reveals that the use of digital technologies for supply chain visibility is a central enabler that will drive delivery reliability, better use of fleet resources, responsiveness, cost control, and sustainability. Digital transformation applies particularly well to the Saudi context with long transport distances, concentrated industrial areas, increasing construction demand and the importance of logistics modernization and sustainability within the national agenda. The study found that digital transformation is not about digital tools alone, but is a systemic strategic and operational capability. The review makes a contribution by providing an industry-specific integration of the potential of digital technologies to improve visibility and logistics performance in Saudi cement value chains.