Supply Digitalization : The Use of Web 2.0 Tools in Supply Chain Management

This study focuses on if companies use web 2.0 tools in their SCM and purchasing operations. Web 2.0 is already in use among consumers, and in some business functions such as marketing. This study consists of an extensive literature review about earlier IT solutions used in SCM and web 2.0 tools and their possible use in SCM. The study was conducted as a case study, and 5 representative of a global chemical company was interviewed. The main findings of this study was that web 2.0 tools are not extensively used in SCM and purchasing. The most tools used are Voice over IP and instant messaging. The benefits are more efficient communication, and time saving. It is identified that web 2.0 tools could improve buyer-supplier collaboration in many ways, but many barriers must first be resolved. The biggest barriers for implementation are fear of IT security, fear of leaking sensitive information, and organisational culture. The greatest potential of web 2.0 would be improved collaboration with other companies and suppliers, crowdsourcing and improved information sharing and information gathering with and from other companies.