A maturity model for collaboration and technological integration in the supply chain
Abstract
Supply chain integration is considered beneficial to organisations. Notable contributors to the debate on supply chain integration attest to improved organisational performance as a result. A conceptual model for supply chain integration is put together following a thorough review of the literature. A UK survey comprising a sample size of 270 randomly selected manufacturing companies across automotive, electronics, aerospace, fabricated metal, food a nd beverages, and pharmaceutical industrial sectors was carried out. Using factor analysis followed by multiple regressions, statistical significance is derived from the relations among the constructs in the maturity model. The understanding gained from the study is that enterprise integration through technology and infrastructural integration at the inter-organisational level is the main antecedent to supply chain performance. The perception that a completely integrated supply chain in itself signifies best performance is not confirmed by the survey results.