e-SCM: Internet's impact on supply chain processes

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the interaction of two topics: supply chain management (SCM) and the internet. Merging these two fields is a key area of concern for contemporary managers and researchers. They have realised that the internet can enhance SCM by making real time information available and enabling collaboration between trading partners. Design/methodology/approach – A literature review in prestigious academic journals in Operations Management and Logistics has been conducted for the period 1995-2005. The objective is to collect, organise and synthesise existing knowledge relating to SCM and the internet. Findings – The paper describes the impact that the internet has on the different processes that SCM embrace. The literature review undertaken on the topic has shown that e-SCM has been acknowledged as an outstanding topic in the supply chain literature in the most prestigious operations management and logistics journals, especially after year 2000. The main topics have been e-procurement, e-fulfilment and information flows. Originality/value – The value of this paper is to define e-SCM, to analyse how research in this area has evolved during the period 1995-2005 and to identify some lines of further research.