Supply chain information-sharing: benchmarking a proven path

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the development and competitive influence of a supply chain (SC) information-sharing capability over time. Design/methodology/approach - Survey data were collected in 1999/2000 and 2005/2006. Case study interviews conducted in the same time periods are used to contextualize the survey results. Findings - The analysis shows that an overall increase in the level of investment in IT in conjunction with higher levels of willingness to share the information is needed to support SC competitiveness. Both connectivity and willingness are shown to contribute to performance improvements. Further, empirical evidence suggests that the greatest performance improvements occur when companies develop both dimensions of an information sharing capability. Originality/value - The paper uses a multi-method, longitudinal methodology to evaluate the evolution of technology and behavioral dimensions of a SC information-sharing capability and to document their influence on firm operating and competitive performance.