Information technology (IT) in supply chain management : supplier-manufacturer information collaboration system development

Abstract

Information sharing is a key issue in working with outside sources mainly suppliers. Without sharing key information especially up to date information such as inventory and forecasts, both organizations will have difficulty in managing supplier relations. Managed poorly can cause bottle necks and affect the performance of both the organization. As such a platform for information sharing and coordination is needed to reduce such cost, promote trust and improve coordination. Mainly this project will focus on the implementation of an IT system for information coordination that would benefit both organizations. The process under study is the piston and engine block supply chain where both have variations during production in terms of grade and needs a responsive supply chain to manage properly. This project proposes the development of a barcode integrated IT system that models the information flow and the processes involved in supplier-manufacturer relationship, promote information transparency between the two entities and promote collaboration between the supplier and manufacturer in a supply chain. This project mostly follows the SDLC method of system development. Several models of implementation of the proposed system is also described and the prototype system verified by potential users through acceptability study.