The contribution of internet technology in achieving lean management within British automotive supply chains

This paper looks at the problems faced by European Automotive Supply Chains. It discusses the concepts of "lean management" and supply chain management especially with regard to information flows. The present IT developments of small companies within the UK car industry supply chains are examined and a European initiative, "Autolean", is focused upon. The results and feedback from Autolean (a project to introduce e-commerce capability into 20 small companies within the West Midlands automotive supply chain) are considered. The authors argue that this project should be used as a "showcase" to improve information flows within supply chains and hence achieve lean management.