This paper proposes a framework that seeks to denote the relationship and promote a better alignment between the evolution of supply chain strategies and technologies. In the supply chain strategy, the focal shift in strategy has been from lean supply chain to a combination of lean and agile supply chain, whereas in supply chain technology the focal shift has been from individual and dyadic to global, inter-organisational systems. Examples of these systems include Vendor-Managed Inventory and Web-based Electronic Data Interchange. These systems increase visibility of information within the supply network and require a high level of trust between the trading partners. Since most inter-organisational systems are developed by IT vendors, the concepts of visibility and trust must be understood by these vendors and translated into the systems they develop. The proposed framework emphasizes the focus on fit and alignment between progress in supply chain strategies and IT strategies that would potentially enable agility as well as trust and visibility within the supply network.
Loading....