Exploring the impact of ICT in CPFR: A case study of an APS system in a Norwegian pharmacy supply chain

Abstract

This study aims at exploring how ICT affects CPFR with focus on information flows in planning and control processes. A case study of a pharmacy supply chain in Norway is conducted to investigate process changes related to an APS system implemented to support a CPFR initiative. Process changes are investigated in view of enhanced information, automated processes and organizational transformation. This study shows that the main impact of ICT is associated with enhanced information flows and transformed processes that its contribution to reducing labour is more limited, and that large information volumes are critical. Adding to current CPFR literature this work provides insights to the contribution of ICT with focus on enhanced information and process transformation. The importance of automatic features of ICT in information processing and exchange and its contribution to improved planning and control information as well as to implementing a joint CPFR approach is especially highlighted. © IFIP International Federation for Information Processing 2013.