Supply Chain Information Technology Research Articles

Do Two Minds Think Alike? Efficiency Benefits from Common ERP Vendor Use in a Supply Chain

SYNOPSIS Utilizing a common enterprise resource planning (ERP) vendor could improve supplier and customer performance by increasing supply chain information technology (IT) alignment, agility, and efficiency. However, supply chains could be hesitant to utilize a common ERP vendor for fear of intellectual capital loss, increased costs, and IT incapability with existing IT architecture. Relational view theory argues that information sharing and process integration advantages are achieved when supply chain partners share assets, knowledge, and capabilities through relation-specific investments, complementary resources, and knowledge sharing processes. We find evidence that common ERP vendor (CERPV) use is associated with greater supplier and customer efficiency, performance, and partnership strength. Our study directly examines the impact of CERPV use within a supply chain, adding to the limited accounting information systems’ evidence on the role of interorganizational ERP system investments on efficiency.

The mediating role of information integration: information technology capabilities and supply chain resilience in Ugandan agro-food processing firms

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the relationship between information technology (IT) capabilities, information integration and supply chain resilience within the context of a developing country.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a structured questionnaire survey, the study collected cross-sectional data from 205 agro-food processing firms in Uganda, drawn from a sample of 248. The data were subsequently analyzed using SPSS version 27 to validate the hypothesized relationships.FindingsThe study findings revealed that IT capabilities and information integration are positively and significantly associated with supply chain resilience. Moreover, it established a positive and significant link between IT capabilities and information integration. The results further revealed both IT capabilities and information integration account for 62.2% of the variance in supply chain resilience (SCRES) in agro-food processing firms in Uganda. Notably, the findings revealed the partial mediating role of information integration, addressing the need to understanding the mechanisms through which IT capabilities influence SCRES.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, the study used a cross-sectional design which makes it difficult to test causality. Some of the study variables need to be studied over time due to their inherent behavioral elements such as collaboration and information sharing. Hence, future research that could, where possible, collect longitudinal data on the study variables would add value to the findings. Second, the study was limited to agro-food processing firms in Uganda in selected districts of Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono and Jinja. Further research needs to be done in other sectors such as service industry and other geographical locations in Uganda and other developing economies to provide more generality of the findings. Third, the study was based on IT capabilities, information integration and supply chain resilience. There are other variables that affect supply chain resilience such as business continuity planning strategy, interactions between teams within an organization in building resilience, supply chain velocity, system orientation and flexibility among others which can be interesting for further research.Practical implicationsManagers are advised to motivate their IT-related personnel. Efficient use of IT systems by staff, especially who are skillful at self-study, enhances their ability to respond to disruptions accordingly. This enhances SCRES. Additionally, to get feedback from supply chain stakeholders, agro-food processing firms should assess the quality of their supply chain services through using IT capabilities as well as integrating their information.Originality/valueThis study contributes to existing literature by adopting information processing perspective to provide an empirical understanding of IT capabilities and information integration as key resources and capabilities essential for information processing in building SCRES. Furthermore, the study introduces the novel insight of the mediating role of information integration as a pathway in which IT capabilities enhance SCRES in agro-food processing firms in Uganda.

Supply Chain Information Technology (SCIT) and Organizational performance: Evidence from Nigerian Manufacturing Industry

This research investigates how the dimensions of Supply Chain Information Technology (SCIT) affect the performance of the manufacturing industry, specifically focusing on selected Nigerian manufacturing companies. The study employed a targeted sampling technique to select 20 respondents from the Department of Procurement and Logistics of each of the five chosen manufacturing companies, resulting in a sample size of 100 respondents. Data was collected from the respondents using a structured questionnaire, and path analysis was employed to analyze the collected data. The findings demonstrate that SCIT dimensions, namely ERP, CRM, EDI, and AAS, have a positive and significant correlation with organizational performance. This association is observed in terms of strategic decision-making, improved understanding of customer preferences, needs, and behaviors, and enhanced data accuracy and order processing efficiency. It can be concluded that implementing SCIT in the manufacturing industry will result in increased operational efficiency, better decision-making, better collaboration, and greater supply chain transparency. This enables managers to proactively address challenges, optimize resources, and drive performance improvements across the supply chain.

Illegal: The SolarWinds Hack under International Law

Abstract In late 2020, news surfaced about one of the most extensive attacks on an information technology (IT) supply chain to date. Hackers exploited a vulnerability in the update system of Orion, a network-monitoring and management software developed by the company SolarWinds. Malicious code embedded in Orion updates created a backdoor into the systems used by numerous private and public entities. This backdoor was then used to insert additional malware into affected systems – in particular, spyware to exfiltrate confidential or sensitive data. Considering both the importance of preserving the integrity of IT supply chains and the diverse risks of harm that attacks such as the SolarWinds hack give rise to, this article examines this cyber operation according to the relevant rules of international law – notably those on sovereignty, non-intervention, general due diligence duties and international human rights law. It concludes that the operation may have been illegal on multiple fronts.

Connections between Big Data and Smart Cities from the Supply Chain Perspective: Understanding the Impact of Big Data

This study explores the impact of Big Data and smart city initiatives on supply chain management. The effects of smart cities and SCM integration on sustainable development are also examined. Big Data, smart cities, and supply chain characteristics have all received a significant amount of attention (supply network structure, governance mechanisms). Based on literature reviews, we created a comprehensive model for supply chains, Big Data, and smart cities. The study concluded that smart cities have various consequences for network architecture and governmental systems. Future research directions in supply chain management and smart cities are also addressed in this paper. A comprehensive model was developed that can be used to undertake empirical research on the implications of smart cities and Big Data on supply chain management and sustainable development in the future. Big Data, smart cities, and supply chains have more than merely causal interactions, and Big Data and smart cities will hugely impact sustainable development and SCM operations. Several studies have recently examined the use of information technology in supply chains, but few have specifically addressed smart cities and Big Data, according to literature analyses.

Impacts of IT capability and supply chain collaboration on supply chain resilience: empirical evidence from China in COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeBuilding supply chain resilience is increasingly recognized as an effective strategy to deal with supply chain challenges, risks and disruptions. Nevertheless, it remains unclear how to build supply chain resilience and whether supply chain resilience could achieve a competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachBy analyzing the data collected from 216 firms in China, the current study empirically examines how information technology (IT) capability and supply chain collaboration affect different forms of supply chain resilience (external resilience and internal resilience) and examines the performance implications of these two forms of supply chain resilience.FindingsResults show that IT capability is positively related to external resilience, whereas supply chain collaboration is positively related to internal resilience. The combination of IT capability and supply chain collaboration is positively related to external resilience. In addition, internal resilience is positively related to firm performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis study used only cross-sectional data from China for hypothesis testing. Future studies could utilise longitudinal data and research other countries/regions.Practical implicationsThe findings systematically assess how IT capability and supply chain collaboration contribute to supply chain resilience and firm performance. The results provide a benchmark of supply chain resilience improvement that can be expected from IT capability and supply chain collaboration.Originality/valueThe study findings advance the understanding of supply chain resilience and provide practical implications for supply chain managers.

The impact of IT spillovers on technical efficiency: The role of IT intensity and supply chain relationships

This study examines the impact of information technology (IT) spillovers from suppliers and customers on an industry's technical efficiency and evaluates how such impact is moderated by its IT intensity and supply chain relationships. We employ a two-stage stochastic production frontier approach to estimate the relationship between IT spillovers and technical efficiency in U.S. industries. The findings show that the benefits from suppliers' and customers' IT spillovers in improving technical efficiency are greater in more IT-intensive industries, in industries that are more dependent on suppliers or customers in their production, and in industries that are more concentrated than their suppliers.

ROLE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT IN UZBEKISTAN

This artikl focuses the role of Information technology (IT) in supply chain management in Uzbekistan und digital transformation it. It also creating a supply chain for the supply of agricultural products highlights the contribution of IT in helping to restructure the entire distribution set up to achieve higher service levels and lower inventory and lower supply chain costs. The broad strategic directions which need to be supported by the IT strategy are increasing of frequency of receipts/dispatch, holding materials further up the supply chain and crashing the various lead times. Critical IT contributions and implementations are discussed. Fundamental changes have occurred in today's economy of Uzbekistan. These changes alter the relationship we have with our customers, our suppliers, our business partners and our colleagues. It also describes how IT developments have presented companies with unprecedented opportunities to gain competitive advantage. So IT investment und supply chain management is the pre-requisite thing for each firm in order to sustain in the market.

Exploring critical success factors influencing adoption of digital twin and physical internet in electronics industry using grey-DEMATEL approach

Digital twin and physical internet adoption based on advanced digital technologies is gaining significance in the recent times. Digital twin is one of the enabling technologies that link actual physical system with its virtual depiction using advanced digital technologies. In order to leverage its potential, firms have instigated to adopt digital twin and physical internet for real-world applications. Although researches on impact of information technology in supply chains exists, a study on the modelling aspects by analysing critical success factors for adoption of digital twin and physical internet is limited. We have addressed this gap by developing a structural model for identifying the inter-relationships and cause effect parameters of critical success factors for adoption of digital twin and physical internet. Thirteen critical success factors were shortlisted based on literature review and in consultation with experts. An integrated Grey- based, decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL)is used to visualize the causal relationships among critical success factors and verified by applying the proposed model in an electronics manufacturing firm. Sensitivity analysis has been done to check accuracy of results and robustness of the study. The results reveal that top management commitment and support and long, medium and short term planning are the most influential factors impacting the adoption of digital twin and physical internet in electronics industry. Findings of this research provide insights for supply chain managers and academicians by identifying the cause and effect group critical success factors for effective adoption of digital twin and physical internet.

Modeling the enablers of supply chain strategies and information technology: improving performance through TISM approach

Purpose This study aims to investigate the hierarchical relationship between industry-specific attributes of supply chain (SC) strategies and information technology (IT) to improve the performance of firms in textile industry in Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach This study presents a mix of enablers through literature review and experts’ opinions. Next, the driving and dependence powers of enablers were identified, using the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach. Findings The ISM model suggests eight levels, with customer satisfaction at the top of the model. Process automation and TQM are placed at second and third level, respectively, whereas flexible sourcing and flexible capacity are positioned at fourth level. The key enablers of IT have high driving power, hence positioned at the bottom of ISM model. Originality/value This study has value for firms in garment manufacturing and exporting industry to invest into IT and sustainable SC design for competitive performance. The theoretical and managerial implications are provided.

The impact of IT application on supply chain learning and service performance

PurposeDespite the recognition that supply chain (SC) learning is important for competitive advantage, little is known how to enable such learning. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of information technology (IT) application on different types of SC learning (i.e. internal, customer and supplier learning) and service performance.Design/methodology/approachThis study applies structural equation modeling to test the conceptual model based on data collected from 213 manufacturing firms in China.FindingsAlthough strategic application has a direct and negative relationship with all three dimensions of SC learning, it indirectly and positively improves SC learning through tactical and operational application. The authors observe that tactical application is positively related to all three dimensions of SC learning, while operational application improves internal and customer learning only. The authors also notice that internal and customer learning are positively related to service performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis study classifies IT application into strategic, tactical and operational dimensions, which may not adequately cover the entire set of IT application portfolio.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest managers to use corresponding IT application to improve SC learning and service performance.Originality/valueThis study provides a new framework to understand the relationships between IT application, SC learning and service performance.

A Robust Approach for Mitigating Risks in Cyber Supply Chains.

In recent years, there have been growing concerns regarding risks in federal information technology (IT) supply chains in the United States that protect cyber infrastructure. A critical need faced by decisionmakers is to prioritize investment in security mitigations to maximally reduce risks in IT supply chains. We extend existing stochastic expected budgeted maximum multiple coverage models that identify "good" solutions on average that may be unacceptable incertain circumstances. We propose three alternative models that consider different robustness methods that hedge against worst-case risks, including models that maximize the worst-case coverage, minimize the worst-case regret, and maximize the average coverage in the worst cases (conditional value at risk). We illustrate the solutions to the robust methods with a case study and discuss the insights their solutions provide into mitigation selection compared to an expected-value maximizer. Our study provides valuable tools and insights for decisionmakers with different risk attitudes to manage cybersecurity risks underuncertainty.

Ranking barriers and solutions of supply chain information technology adoption in Thai industrial sector by AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS

The objective of this research is to rank the barriers and to find the solutions of supply chain information technology (SCIT) adoption of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (fuzzy TOPSIS). Many researchers focused on the process of IT implementation, but they did not know what the critical factors that led to the successful IT implementation in SCM were. In this research, there are two phases. Firstly, data were collected from large enterprises in the industrial sector participating in the promotion of applying an IT project. Barriers and solutions were analysed and ranked. Important barriers are individual, project, supply chain, strategic and technological barriers, respectively. The most appropriate solutions of SCIT adoption are increasing use of external consultants and selection of the appropriate vendor team. Next, a case study was used to test and validate the results.

Linking IT to supply chain agility: does knowledge management make a difference in SMEs

The purpose of this paper is to examine how information technology (IT) and knowledge management affect supply chain agility in a small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) context. Drawing on SMEs, this study hypothesises and tests the relationship between IT and knowledge management and supply chain agility. Partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is performed to test the relationship between the research variables. The results obtained from SEM reveal that IT positively affects knowledge management. The results also indicate that knowledge management and IT significantly affect the dimensions of supply chain agility (demand response, customer responsiveness and joint planning).

Ranking barriers and solutions of supply chain information technology adoption in Thai industrial sector by AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS

Ranking barriers and solutions of supply chain information technology adoption in Thai industrial sector by AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS

The Impact of Information Technology Capability on Supply Chain Technology Adoption and Supply Chain Operational Performance: a Resource based View

Organization increasingly relies on the supply chain technology to improve the supply chain operational performance. Yet, past evidence suggests that the adoption of supply chain technology does not guarantee enhanced supply chain operational performance. Drawing from the Resource Based View, this study found that information technology (IT) capability enabled supply chain technology adoption in achieving supply chain operational performance. Supply chain technology serves as a system in transforming IT capability into a higher value resources for an organization. The adoption of supply chain technology in managing supply chain deserved attention from researchers and practitioners, because business benefits from supply chain technology adoption improve firm’s supply chain performances which enhance reliability, improve responsiveness, increase agility, and minimize cost in operation functions. This study provides a unique theoretical framework intended to aid researchers and practitioners develop a more thorough understanding of the linkages between information technology capability, supply chain technology adoption, and supply chain operational performance. The total of 201 questionnaires were sent to Malaysia's textile and apparel company that is listed in the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) and Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) directory. The total of 121 usable responses were obtained and analyzed through Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The discussion of this study is followed by presenting the results of the survey on the relationship of IT capability on supply chain technology adoption and supply chain operational performance. The results shown that supply chain technology adoption is mediating the relationship between IT capability and supply chain operation performance.

Lean vs. Agile Supply Chain: The Effect of IT Architectures on Supply Chain Capabilities and Performance

The widespread use of information technology (IT) has changed the nature of supply chain management. However, it is still unclear whether different IT infrastructure design may affect supply chain capabilities and firm performance. In this study, we investigated the impacts of a supply chain’s IT architecture, which could be integration-based or standardization-based, on supply chain capabilities and firm performance. We also examined the effects of lean and agile supply chain strategies. We tested our research model against data collected from 162 companies, 97 based in China and 65 in Taiwan. Our findings indicate that firms with different supply chain strategies focus on different aspects of IT architectures. In addition, supply chain capability is an enabler to enhance supply chain performance through well-suited supply chain IT.

A model for enterprise resource planning in emergency humanitarian logistics

PurposeWhile the need for information systems is regularly highlighted in the humanitarian logistics literature, a detailed model of what such system would look like is missing. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the need and advantages of enterprise resource planning (ERP) technology in humanitarian emergency logistics. The paper also proposes a model for the configuration, maintenance, operation, and improvement of the system.Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual paper uses existing logistics and information systems literature to build the logical case for an integrated enterprise system for humanitarian emergencies, and to propose conceptual content and process models.FindingsThe problem of lack of coordination is reviewed, and a holistic solution is proposed through a structure and model of ERP systems technology to meet the specific requirements of humanitarian emergencies.Research limitations/implicationsAs in any conceptual paper, a limitation of this paper is the lack of empirical validation of the proposed system. It also might be difficult to obtain the cooperation of multiple organizations. This research focuses on emergency humanitarian logistics, where effectiveness and speed have priority over simplicity or cost.Practical implicationsThe model proposed in this paper links current efforts in humanitarian emergency coordination with existing supply chain information technologies, and is practically feasible both from the technological and organizational perspectives.Social implicationsBecause of the critical, life or death nature of the problem, social and ethical implications of this research are broad, including the divergence of coordination in humanitarian vs commercial and military logistics, as well as inter-agency politics.Originality/valueThis paper is a bold but realistic attempt to take a holistic view of humanitarian logistics and design a system that would be effective, and calls humanitarian organizations worldwide to collaborate in its implementation.

The Effect of IT Integration on Supply Chain Agility Towards Market Performance (A Proposed Study)

Aim/Purpose : An important objective of any firm is escalation of its performance and the achievement of competitive advantages. Supply chain agility plays a prominent role to enhance the level of firm’s performance. Moreover, information technology (IT) plays a foundational role in supply chain management practices. Hence, this study proposes the relationship between IT integration as the competency of IT and firm’s market performance both directly and through mediating role of supply chain agility. Background: Many studies have been done to date on the impact of supply chain agility on overall firm’s performance. However, the effect of an agile supply chain on firm’s market performance per se needs to be studied. Furthermore, there is a gap in the literature about the effect of IT competency such as IT integration on firm’s market performance both directly and through mediating role of supply chain agility. Recommendation for Researchers: The first direction this study gives to researchers is to consider the different factors which have significant effect on the agility of supply chain, particularly the IT related ones. The second direction is about the study on the effect of IT competencies and supply chain agility on each category of firm’s performance separately instead of considering it as a one construct. Impact on Society : Although this is a conceptual study, it can highlight the importance of IT competency not only in our daily life, but also in our businesses and industries. Future Research: This study only proposes some relationships based on theory and literature. Future researchers can test these proposed relationships in different contexts and compare the results. Furthermore, this study proposes the relationships for large manufacturing sector in developing countries. The model could be tested for SMEs as well. In addition, the proposed theoretical model in this study might be tested in both developing as well as developed countries to compare the results which will be contributed to the body of knowledge.

Effective Financial Management of Supply Chain through the Use of Emerging Technology

In today's globalization business world, the contemporary organizations are flourishing to apply the innovative as well as modern business techniques in order to enhance their supply chain management practices. Moreover, the organizations give ample importance while developing their business strategies to use backward integration strategies along with their other main strategies. There are many emerging technologies available as an option for the organization now days; however, for the purpose of this paper Information Technology (IT) use along with the financial management of supply chain is discussed as a general. It is believed that, effective use of IT might facilitate both the efficiency and transparency of communication amongst the different nodes of supply chain; furthermore, it will enable the organizations to save their costs and effectively manage the finances. This paper builds a conceptual model of IT use, information sharing, and supply chain practices (SCPs) and how the impact on SCPs might affect the level of competitive advantage. Specifically, this paper hypothesized the impact of IT use and information sharing on supply chain management success related to the level of competitive advantage. Furthermore, the paper also hypothesized on the basis of resource-based view of the firm, the effective use of IT and the active information sharing might enhance the supply chain performance and might increase the level of competitive advantages for the organizations.