Table 3.

Digitization Improvements in a BCT-Enabled CE Approach

COVID-19’s influence on supply chains (The problem)	BCT-enabled CE approach (The response)	Example/Scenario
Exposed to inventory shortages of items for consumers now working from home.	Increasing supply chain visibility by enabling better tracking and re-routing of inventory in the supply chain (moving supplies in consumer sizes to grocery stores).	Problem: Short-supplies of computer accessories, such as computer cameras and speakers, office desk chairs, printers, scanners, toner, and other computer supplies and accessories. Response: Enable a digitally secure and integrated ‘public’ platform to shop or rent for essential products.
Exposed to the inconvenience of shortage/ overstocking of medical supplies (masks, ventilators, PPE) at a location.	Allow tracking and management of supplies	Problem: Short-supplies of medical supplies. Response: A digital platform that links the for-profit healthcare providers as well as medical schools, veterinarians, community colleges, etc.
Exposed to inefficiencies of handling medical reserve materials – missing, damaged, or expired.	Enable traceability to effectively move FIFO inventory and use materials elsewhere before expiration, and replace and replenish.	Problem: Failure to find medical supplies during the crisis. Response: A digital platform that enables the movement of medical supplies using ‘just-in-case’ and multiple sourcing strategies.
Exposed to statewide administrative disorders.	Adopt unified coordination mechanisms of IT systems to save time and costs.	Problem: Administrative failures to control the crisis. Response: A digital platform for coordination of commands and actions that are guided by sustainability principles.
Exposed to consumers’ lack of trust governance mechanism of supplies, thus them leading them to hoard essential supplies.	Allow consumers to find updated information on sources, availability, and replenishment time of essential supplies.	Problem: Hoarding of essential supplies. Response: Create a platform that encourages consumers to sell off excess supplies available with them. Also, allows the government to intervene if needed.
Showed customers’ ability to shop online, thus avoiding visits to physical stores.	Encourage end-to-end digital supply chains	Problem: Shifting online behavior and inclination toward new technology of consumers. Response: Capture opportunities create end-to-end digital and agile supply chains that can support sustainability principles such as avoiding food damages and price competition.