Next Generation Supply Chain Management: The Impact of Cloud Computing

Britta Gammelgaard, Katarzyna Nowicka*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

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Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of cloud computing (CC) on supply chain management (SCM).

Design/methodology/approach
The paper is conceptual and based on a literature review and conceptual analysis.

Findings
Today, digital technology is the primary enabler of supply chain (SC) competitiveness. CC capabilities support competitive SC challenges through structural flexibility and responsiveness. An Internet platform based on CC and a digital ecosystem can serve as “information cross-docking” between SC stakeholders. In this way, the SC model is transformed from a traditional, linear model to a platform model with the simultaneous cooperation of all partners. Platform-based SCs will be a milestone in the evolution of SCM – here conceptualised as Supply Chain 3.0.

Research limitations/implications
Currently, SCs managed holistically in cyberspace are rare in practice, and therefore empirical evidence on how digital technologies impact SC competitiveness is required in future research.

Practical implications
This research generates insights that can help managers understand and develop the next generation of SCM with the use of CC, a modern and commonly available Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) tool.

Originality/value
The paper presents a conceptual basis of how CC enables structural flexibility of SCs through easy, real-time resource and capacity reconfiguration. CC not only reduces cost and increases flexibility but also offers an effective solution for disruptive new business models with the potential to revolutionise current SCM thinking.
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Enterprise Information Management
Volume37
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)1140-1160
Number of pages21
ISSN1741-0398
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Bibliographical note

Published online: 28 March 2023.

Keywords

  • Supply chain management
  • Cloud computing
  • Supply chain 3.0

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