E-Tools and Supply Chain Integration – A Study of Trends and Opportunities in India

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Till the beginning of 1980s, the information flow between functional areas within an organization and with supply chain partners was paper based which resulted in delaying the transaction and communication process. During this period, information was often over looked as a critical competitive resource because its value to supply chain members was not clearly understood. With globalisation and opening up of the Indian economy to the rest of the world the information technology (IT) infrastructure capabilities got highlighted and it was realised that IT provides a competitive positioning of business initiatives like cycle time reduction, implementation and supports in implementing redesigned cross-functional processes. In the 21 century, the growth and development in the Information Technology (IT) and supply chain management (SCM) have gained a significant role in the organisational performance across the industry. The advancement of internet-based exchange of information between organisations, their suppliers, customers and various service providers has improved the information flow in the supply chain of across industries. The prime focus of this paper is to highlight the dominance of transactions, coordination and collaboration as e-business tools in supporting supply chain integration. The researcher has made an attempt to focus on the changing trends and rising opportunities that have emerged in the SCM system with the use of E tools and techniques.