Business-to-business data sharing: A source for integration of supply chains

The flow of information between parties in a supply chain is crucial for carrying out an effective and efficient transition of consignments. To support the flow of information, diverse communication systems exist. Although the electronic data interchange technology has been around for more than 30 years now, it has not reached small- and medium-sized enterprises to any significant extent. The results of more than 20 case studies imply that smaller companies run the risk of being permanently excluded from integrating their logistics operations in the supply chain. However, the advent of the Internet and concepts of electronic business open up new perspectives for small- and medium-sized enterprises. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.