The role of information and communication technology in small Italian logistics enterprises Online publication date: Wed, 25-Feb-2009
by Pietro Evangelista, Edward Sweeney
International Journal of Business and Systems Research (IJBSR), Vol. 3, No. 1, 2009
Abstract: Information and communication technology (ICT) is widely regarded as a key integration enabler in contemporary supply chain configurations. Furthermore, recent years have seen the vertical disintegration of supply chains as increasing numbers of manufacturers and retailers outsource significant parts of their supply chain functionality. In this environment, third party logistics (3PLs) providers – the majority of which are small companies – play a pivotal role. This raises important questions about the usage of ICT in this sector. However, there is a paucity of research in the field of small 3PLs with little empirical investigation into the usage of ICT by such firms. This article presents the results of a survey on ICT systems usage in a sample of small Italian 3PLs. The results provide a technological profile of the surveyed companies as well as an analysis of the role of ICT in customising services and of the factors influencing technology adoption.
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