Supply chain integration over time: Comparing technology adoption, integration and trading partner collaboration over a ten year period

Integration of processes, systems, methods, resources and technologies between trading partners is generally acknowledged to provide opportunities for firms to streamline and improve supply chain operations. Such integration, however, can be difficult to implement and maintain over time. This study uses longitudinal data collected ten years apart and examines use and adoption of supply chain enabling technology and extent of collaboration with trading partners. The results indicate that for technology integration a high degree of churn is observed, while internet usage over time progresses in a more staged manner. For collaboration, on the other hand it is apparent that the majority of firms have shifted their collaborative focus over time. As such a situational rather than stage based model for collaboration emerges.