Supply Chain Management Techniques in Medium‐to‐Small Manufacturing Firms

Abstract

Discussions of supply chain management (SCM) techniques have focused on large manufacturers and retailers. Smaller firms are part of a larger supply chain(s), and also experience market uncertainties and difficulties in maintaining efficient material and information flow. This paper reports on a study of the use of SCM techniques in medium‐to‐small manufacturing (MTSM) firms. The study consisted of interviews with executives, and a mail questionnaire asking participants to indicate the extent of their firm's use of specific techniques identified in the literature as contributing to the success of SCM. The study found that the use of SCM techniques vary in extent and between industries, and that the organizational structure of MTSM firms has both helped and hindered the implementation of SCM. Greater education about the benefits, costs, and techniques of SCM is required at all levels of organization.