The Use of Mobile Technology in Management and Risk Control in the Supply Chain: The Case of a Brazilian Beef Chain

Abstract

The use of mobile technologies is important for Supply Chain Management (SCM) because these technologies allow for a ubiquitous flow of information, higher agility and risk reduction in supply chains. In food markets, these issues are particularly relevant due to food safety risks. The main goal of this paper is to analyze the use of mobile technology for management and risk control in the Brazilian beef supply chain, since Brazil is one of the main producers and beef exporters in the world. The research method was a single case study. Results show the actual level of mobile technology use; drivers and barriers to mobile technology adoption and how mobile technology is applied to beef traceability and risk reduction along the chain. The authors propose a framework that links the issues of mobile technology use for SCM and risk control, considering the context of a developing country such as Brazil.