Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and the Supply Chain

Abstract

Information and communications technology (ICT) is an integral part of supply chain management (SCM) (Anderson, Britt, & Favre, 2007; Subramani, 2004). ICT supports SCM by enhancing supply chain efficiency, effectiveness and competitive advantage at strategic, tactical and operational management levels. Derived from extant literature on the application of ICT in SCM and ICT infrastructure sources, this chapter explores the significance of ICT in the business of SCM and describes the various ICT infrastructures deployed in aid of supply chain collaboration, integration and connectivity. While most related studies focus on organisational perspectives of ICT and SCM like benefits (Auramo, Kauremaa, & Tanskanen, 2005b), buyer-supplier relationships (Bakos & Brynjolfsson, 1993) and so on; the chapter presents a technological viewpoint of ICT and SCM. The chapter explores the function of ICT in SCM and proposes a classification framework of ICT in SCM.