Lori N.K. Leonard and Christine Clemons Davis
This study seeks to determine whether electronic supply chains using electronic data interchange (EDI) are more successful than non‐electronic supply chains using manual (paper…
Abstract
Purpose
This study seeks to determine whether electronic supply chains using electronic data interchange (EDI) are more successful than non‐electronic supply chains using manual (paper) purchase orders by analyzing the supplier‐manufacturer link in the SC.
Design/methodology/approach
Identical products are analyzed before‐and‐after EDI implementation in an organization, therefore representing both electronic supply chain products and non‐electronic supply chain products.
Findings
The empirical findings indicate that the EDI supply chain is more effective than the manual supply chain in terms of: shorter order cycles, greater availability, lower (purchase) price, and lower (transaction) cost.
Originality/value
The present research study provides for a number of future research possibilities. First, the present research study focuses only on the supplier‐manufacturer link of the SC. Other links in the SC (manufacturer‐distributor, distributor‐retail outlet, and retail outlet‐customer) should be analyzed for products that have been replenished manually and then replenished using EDI.
Details
Keywords
Lynn Train and Christine Williams
Crosby suggested that “quality is free”. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the argument that, although it is not free, it can reduce costs. The UK’s Benefit Enquiry Line…
Abstract
Crosby suggested that “quality is free”. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the argument that, although it is not free, it can reduce costs. The UK’s Benefit Enquiry Line (BEL) for people with disabilities is used to illustrate this. The evolution of quality management systems implemented by BEL is examined. These include Charter Mark, Service First, Investors in People, the Business Excellence Framework and the EFQM Excellence Model. A comparative analysis is undertaken between the findings of the authors and those of other academic writers. Conclusions are drawn as to the appropriateness of these quality initiatives in facilitating continuous improvement at minimal cost.