Impact of AIoT-Enabled Cold Chain System Implementation on Operational Performance: Moderating Effect of ISO Certification

Abstract

Background: This study examines the relationships among resource reduction awareness (RRA), AIoT-enabled Cold Chain System (CCS) implementation, supply–demand control (SDC), perceived operational performance (OPF), and ISO certification from a Lean Logistics perspective. Method: Data were collected from 250 Korean agricultural and marine product firms. PLS-SEM was used to examine the hypothesized relationships and indirect associations, while MICOM and multi-group analysis assessed differences between firms holding both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications and other firms. Result: RRA was positively associated with ACI and OPF. ACI was positively associated with SDC and OPF, and SDC was positively related to OPF. The indirect association between ACI and OPF through SDC was also significant. The ACI–OPF relationship differed significantly across ISO certification groups and was stronger in the high-certification group. Conclusions: The findings suggest that AIoT-enabled cold chain implementation is associated with perceived operational performance directly and through supply–demand control, while standardized management practices may be relevant to the ACI–OPF relationship. This study therefore clarifies organizational and operational conditions associated with digital cold chain practices and provides implications for research.