Big links and small links in the supply chain and their use of information systems

The supply chain concept has been developed mainly with a focus on large companies and their trading links with other large companies. Much research on the use of information systems to support supply chain activities has addressed the use of large-scale systems by large organisations. However, small- and medium-sized enterprises represent a major proportion of trading partners for many organisations. These smaller organisations face a number of issues in the adoption and use of information systems which are not faced by their larger counterparts. As a result, difficulties arise for these smaller organisations when they attempt to participate in supply chains. Related issues also arise for larger organisations when trading with their smaller counterparts.