A noticeable shift can be observed in supply chains, as the ‘‘build-to-order’’
model replaces the ‘‘build-to-forecast’’ method. Supply Chain Management is more critical in the former case, as it involves close communication between
various agencies in the chain and the ability to respond accordingly. Adoption of
supply chain technologies, e.g. enterprise resource planning (ERP), extranets, and
B2B markets, to name a few, enables companies to improve their operations and
effectively integrate the various links in the chain (Dawson 2002; Jacobs et al.
2011). Recent years have witnessed a tremendous growth in supply chain management
software, such as systems for transportation management, supply chain
planning and execution, and warehouse management (e.g. Higginson and Bookbinder
2008). The use of third-party software systems, collaborative technology,
and use of expert systems are also important (Green 2001).