Cloud Computing in Supply Chain Management: An Overview

Abstract

In the modern world, companies are investigating state-of-the-art practices to optimize both the cost and operational efficiency of their supply chain. Cloud computing emerges as a meaningful technology that could contribute to this optimization by providing infrastructure, platform, and software solutions for the whole supply chain network via Internet. The utilization of cloud-based services in supply chain management leads to financial and operational benefits, while at the same time potential risks and limitations should be taken into account by all supply chain stakeholders. In this chapter, an overview of cloud-based supply chain management is addressed. At first, a brief introduction to cloud technology is provided. Then, the application of cloud computing on supply chain activities is presented, while positive and negative aspects of adapting this technology in modern supply chains are discussed. The case for Third-Party Logistics (3PL) service providers is specially addressed. Finally, conclusions and future research steps are presented.