2.2. Supply chain integration
It was predicted that information technologies
would allow for closer integration of adjacent firms
in the supply chain through the development of electronic
linkages (e.g., electronic data interchange) [17].
The ability to smooth supply and demand, and thus
reduce the possibility of inventory overages or
shortages, has been suggested as a key benefit of
systems like VMI, CRP, JIT, quick response, and
efficient consumer response that integrate the operations
of supply chain members [12]