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TopBackground
There are many possible ways to examine the role of information technology in supply chains (Beamon, 1998; Chopra & Meindl, 2013; Christopher, 2011; Simchi-Levi, Kaminsky, & Simichi-Levi, 2009). In this chapter we adopted approach that is based on the typical development phases of supply chain. In that framework we outline typical development phases and the role of information technology in each of these phases. Next, in line with aims of our chapter, we put our focus on examination of the role, importance and actual usage of information technology solutions that support supply chain management and customer relationship management in organizations worldwide.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Supply Chain: Includes all activities which are involved in delivering product from raw material through manufacture and distribution to the end user (e.g. exchange of information among entities in supply chain).
Information Technology Solutions: Are different types or applications of information technology that support processes in organizations. In terms of supply chain, information technology solutions are aimed to support customer and supplier relations, as well as internal processes in single organizations involved in supply chain.
Customer Relationship Management Solution: Is an information technology supported tool, which enables organizations to collect and manage large amounts of data about customers.
Information Technology: Encompasses the hardware, software and databases aimed to support everyday or business processes. In business sphere, IT support business processes in organizations and entire supply chain.
Supply Chain Management Solution: Is an information technology supported tool, which enables synchronization of the efforts of all parties involved in supply chain, from suppliers, through manufacturers, distributors, dealers, to end customers.