The effect of Internet of Things (IOT) implementation on the Rail Freight Industry; A futures study approach

The rail freight industry in Iran has been faced several challenges which affected its performance. Notwithstanding that Internet of Things leverage is rapidly increasing in railway industries-as an experienced solution in other countries-, Iran’s rail freight industry has not been involved in, yet. Related research and experiment has not been identified in Iran, as well. The aim of this survey is to identify the effects of the implementation of Internet of Things in the Rail Freight Industry in Iran. To gather the data, the Delphi method was selected, and the Snowball technique was used for organizing a Panel including twenty experts. To evaluate the outcomes, IQR, Binomial tests, and Mean were calculated. Several statements were identified and there was broad consensus on most of them, which approved that their implementation affects the Iranian rail freight industry, but in different ranks. Finally, the results formed in the Balanced Scorecard’s format. The internal business process has been affected more than the other aspects by the approved statements. Eleven recognized elements are affected in different ranks, including Internal Business Process, Financial, Learning, and Growth, Customers. The Financial perspective remarked as least consensus and the Internal Business Process has received the extreme consensus. The research outcomes can be used to improve the strategic planning of the Iranian rail freight industry by applying the achievements of information technology in practice.