Collaborative ICT ventures and the implementation of responsive automotive supply networks

This research paper explores the generic barriers which govern supply chain integration. Four automotive cases illustrate the motivations and barriers that emerged during the implementation phase of collaborative Information Communication Technology (ICT) ventures. The results indicate the reasons for the failure of ICT as the solution to collaborative supply chain integration. We show that ICT, in relation to Supply Chain Collaboration (SCC), is still at an embryonic stage of development. Recent examples of e-business initiatives are used to further develop a framework of barriers for supply chain integration and collaboration based in the automotive sector. The barriers to successful integration and collaboration that are identified in this research include system standards, legacy systems and interoperability, cost-benefit sharing and interorganisational trust. The paper concludes by suggesting that for ICT ventures to be successful in achieving requirements, interfirm relationships must be a first consideration, certainly before implementing technology.