The operational performance effect of digitalized manufacturing processes and the mediation effect of supply chain resilience

Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to investigate the impact of digitalized manufacturing (DM) on operational performance (OP) and the mediating role of supply chain resilience (SCRES) in this relationship. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is based on 328 complete and useable responses to a questionnaire survey conducted from November 2022 to January 2023 among Danish manufacturers. Findings: The paper reveals a positive association between companies’ adoption of DM and OP, with SCRES mediating this relationship. Additionally, the paper identifies a moderating positive effect of demand uncertainty on the DM-OP relationship, as well as a negative moderating effect of demand uncertainty on the mediating role of SCRES. Research limitations/implications: The paper relies on responses from a single representative per company, exclusively from Danish respondents. Practical implications: Companies and governments should invest in digital transitions and SCRES to enhance OP. Managers must ensure DM systems are flexible to adapt to demand fluctuations, leveraging technological capabilities for resilience. Policymakers should support flexible digital adoption while addressing supply-side challenges through resource security initiatives. Originality/value: The paper is among the first to investigate the mediating role of SCRES on the relationship between DM and OP and how demand and supply uncertainty moderate the relationships.