Supply chain coordination using EDI with performance implications

Abstract

Focusing on Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), this paper investigates a company's use of coordinating activities and supply chain management. It is shown that firms approach the use of coordination activities differently, depending on whether the supply chain member is a supplier or a customer. This research indicates that the most significant improvements from the use of EDI occur in companies that emphasise partnerships with suppliers and a systems and information technology focus with customers. When the focus is on accommodating customers or on customer partnerships, no correlation with performance improvements is observed.