Big data analytics in manufacturing supply chain management: multiple case studies

China’s manufacturing sector plays a crucial role in the global economy and supply chain (SC) network. However, with the emergence of labour shortage, shorter product delivery time and greater changes in market demand, China’s manufacturing sector has weakened its competitive advantage and is facing a new wave of transformational challenges. Therefore, the Chinese manufacturing industry needs to integrate with big data analytics (BDA) technology to meet the need the requirements of intelligent manufacturing and maintain its competitive edge. There is a significant knowledge gap in understanding the impact of BDA adoption on SC performance within China’s manufacturing industry, along with the factors influencing its adoption. To address this gap, this study aims to investigate areas of BDA adoption, explore the causal relationships between BDA adoption and SC performance, and identify key enablers and barriers. This study used mixed methods, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was utilised to analyse the empirical data and test hypotheses. Data was collected from the manufacturing sector in China and gathered 304 usable responses. Two case studies were conducted in leading Chinese manufacturing companies. Key findings from this study include: 1) A significant relationship exists between BDA adoption and SC performance within China’s manufacturing industry; 2) Enablers such as coercive, mimetic, and normative pressures positively influence BDA adoption in China’s manufacturing firms;3) Cultural and organisational barriers hinder BDA adoption in these firms. The main conclusion drawn from the study is that the adoption of BDA in China’s manufacturing industry holds significant potential for enhancing competitiveness. By identifying key enablers and barriers, businesses can develop targeted strategies to overcome barriers and leverage BDA effectively. This study contributes by offering strategic insights to Chinese manufacturing firms, enabling them to navigate BDA adoption challenges and enhance their competitive edge. Further research could compare BDA adoption and its impact on Chinese manufacturing SC performance with other countries.