Improved Information Connectivity and Visibility throughout the Global Supply Base

Although the literature frequently examines achieving an integrated supply chain and participating in information sharing with supply chain partners, there is little guidance given to firms on how to progress to a state where these goals can become reality. This paper examines the struggles of one firm in moving toward information sharing with its suppliers and its hopes of achieving an integrated supply chain. This paper reveals lessons learned from the difficulties the firm encountered during the integration process. Despite putting an information system in place, the company discovered that people issues matter as much, if not more, than technology issues. DOI: 10.4018/978-1-61350-459-8.ch014