Article,
Supply chain management integration and implementation: a literature review
Supply, 10 (4): 252--263 (2005)
DOI: 10.1108/13598540510612721
Abstract
Purpose --- The purpose of this paper is to review a sample of the
literature relating to the integration and implementation of supply
chain management practices from a strategic viewpoint.
Design/methodology/approach --- The literature is examined from three
perspectives. First, supply chain integration covers issues relating
to integration of core processes across organizational boundaries
through improved communication, partnerships, alliances and cooperation.
Second, strategy and planning examines supply chain management as
a strategic matter for trading partners, along with factors relating
to the amount of planning required. Third, implementation issues
concern factors critical for successful implementation, as well as
issues specific to inter and intra-organizational aspects of supply
chain initiatives are contained in this sub-group
Findings --- An important emergent theme from the literature is the
importance of taking a holistic view, and the systemic nature of
interactions between the participants. At the same time, it is also
apparent that this requirement to take such an holistic and systemic
view of the supply chain acts as an impediment to more extensive
implementation. The strategic nature of adopting a supply chain wide
perspective, on the one hand provides significant potential benefit,
and on the other requires trading partners to think and act strategically.
This is easier said than done within a stand-alone organization,
let alone across a diverse and dispersed group of trading partners.
Research limitations/implications --- The scope of this review is
by design limited to a cross-section of the literature in this area.
As such, it cannot, and does not, attempt to be an examination of
the full range of the literature, but a sampling of important and
influential works.
Practical implications --- This review of the literature serves to
highlight the inter-dependence between integration (technologies,
logistics, and partnerships), a strategic view of supply chain systems,
and implementation approach. All three need to inform and underpin
each other in order for management of supply chains to be able to
deliver on the promise of benefits for all trading partners.
Originality/value --- This study reviews a sample of recent and classic
literature in this field, and in doing so provides some clear guidelines
for the conduct of future research.
