Title: The contribution of internet technology in achieving lean management within British automotive supply chains

Authors: Garry Homer, Diana Thompson

Addresses: School of Computing & Information Technology, University of Wolverhampton, 35-49 Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1EL, UK. School of Computing & Information Technology, University of Wolverhampton, 35-49 Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1EL, UK

Abstract: This paper looks at the problems faced by European Automotive Supply Chains. It discusses the concepts of ||lean management|| and supply chain management especially with regard to information flows. The present IT developments of small companies within the UK car industry supply chains are examined and a European initiative, ||Autolean||, is focused upon. The results and feedback from Autolean (a project to introduce e-commerce capability into 20 small companies within the West Midlands automotive supply chain) are considered. The authors argue that this project should be used as a ||showcase|| to improve information flows within supply chains and hence achieve lean management.

Keywords: lean management; supply chain; e-commerce; internet; information technology; small-medium sized enterprises, SMEs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2001.000046

International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management, 2001 Vol.1 No.2/3, pp.369-378

Published online: 02 Jul 2003 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article