The Internet: Motivations, Deterrents, And Impact on Supply Chain Relationships‪.‬

Just how pervasive and beneficial is the internet in a business supply chain, and what are the barriers to its use? A survey of manufacturers, distributors, and industrial customers turned up a mixed bag of responses. Overall, e-commerce was perceived as having a slightly positive impact on supply chain relationships but did not affect the selection of supply chain partners. Customers focused on the potential benefits of reducing costs, while manufacturers and distributors tended to emphasize the impact of e-commerce on customer-related issues. All groups cited a lack of standards and technical know-how as potential barriers to e-commerce. Managers should carefully weigh potential costs and benefits before adopting or expanding an e-commerce strategy. The Internet's Effect on the Supply Chain