The myth of WebEDI

Abstract

In this paper, based on empirical research from the German office supply industry principle obstacles to integrating SMEs into EDI networks are identified. Contrary to common belief, integrating SMEs is not so much a technological challenge. We show that due to the fact that many SMEs do not employ e.g. automated material management systems, there are not too many unexploited network gains to be internalized. It is demonstrated that possible solutions need to go beyond what "WebEDI" can offer. © 2003 by Springer Science+Business Media New York.