Do Technology And Information Really Create Supply Chain Gains?

Supply chain managers crave innovative ways to cut costs and streamline systems. Often, they turn to technology, hoping for big savings and process improvements. But not every tool that promises huge cost reductions and streamlined operations is right for every business. Since substantial investments of money and time are required with a new technology, supply chain managers need to take a nuanced approach and ask if the technology or information sharing will provide additional information that realizes gains. Research clearly shows that managers should not assume that investing in a technology - even when coerced to do so by a more powerful channel partner - will produce huge cost savings.