Information Systems Configurations for enabling Supply Chain Visibility

Supply chain visibility continues to be a major concern for organizations. While there is a general perception that supply chain visibility is driven by information sharing and enabling information technologies, there are gaps in our understanding of what constitutes supply chain visibility and the specific information technology configurations that may be implemented for enabling visibility. This manuscript presents a possible framework for conceptualizing information sharing needs and mechanisms that need to be enabled using information technologies in the pursuit of supply chain visibility. A multiple case study approach is proposed for examining the ways in which real-world organizations embedded in supply chain networks may aim for and achieve supply chain visibility.