Improving Internal Supply Chain Collaboration by Increasing Information-Processing Capacity: The Role of Enterprise Information Systems

This study examines the role of enterprise information systems in fostering collaboration between the Purchasing, Production, and Outbound Logistics functions of manufacturing facilities. These forms of integrative information technology are considered key facilitators of supply chain management. The research model embeds these systems within a broader model of facilitators of interfunctional integration. The model is tested by path analysis, using a survey sample of 120 manufacturing facilities located in the United States. The results suggest that integrative information technology has a significant effect on collaboration, and that the level of demand uncertainty moderates the effect on collaboration. DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-2464-1.ch003