Identifying and Ranking Barriers to Implementing Internet of Things in Food Supply Chains: A Case Study of Kalleh Company

The implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in food supply chains faces significant barriers that hinder its potential to enhance traceability, efficiency, and sustainability. This study identifies and analyzes these barriers by conducting a case study of Kalleh Company, a leading Iranian food producer, using the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method. Through conducting a literature review and expert interviews, 11 key barriers were categorized into technological, financial, human capital, regulatory, and infrastructural dimensions. The DEMATEL analysis revealed critical insights into the causal relationships among these barriers. Inadequate infrastructure emerged as the most prominent barrier, heavily influenced by financial constraints such as high implementation costs and limited funding access. Meanwhile, lack of interoperability was identified as the strongest causal barrier, creating systemic challenges by preventing seamless integration across IoT systems. Interestingly, while the shortage of skilled labor showed balanced influence/dependence, its high prominence underscored its operational significance. The study highlights the complex interdependencies among IoT adoption barriers, demonstrating that infrastructure limitations cannot be resolved without addressing the underlying financial and technological challenges. These findings suggest that successful implementation of IoT requires coordinated strategies addressing multiple dimensions simultaneously including standardization efforts, financial support mechanisms, and workforce development programs.