ABSTRACT
This chapter examines Inter-organisational information systems (IOS) development influencing partnership integration within Supply Chain Management (SCM) by investigating thirteen businesses that use a variety of IOS. An IOS is a collection of information technology (IT) resources, including communications networks, hardware, IT applications, standards for data transmission, and human skills and experiences. IOS are classified into Elementary IOS, Intermediate IOS and Advanced IOS. IOS can be used at both ends of the supply chain. IOS can be categorised into four phases, in terms of historical IOS development: Phase One--Manual systems, Phase Two--Electronic Data Interchange systems, Phase ree--enterprise resource planning systems, and Phase Four--Internet-enabled systems. The actual configuration of IOS used by a company usually consists of a number of IOS, which may be partially or fully integrated internally or externally with business partners. The chapter investigates the influence of IOS development on business relationships with suppliers and customers.
