Implementing a bespoke supply chain management system to deliver tangible benefits

Companies often focus efforts to improve business efficiencies on internal systems and significant benefits can be achieved by so doing. However, the magnitude of the realised benefit is restricted if only processes within the organisation are targeted for improvement. This paper describes the implementation of a bespoke web-based supply chain management system/online collaboration system. The main drivers behind the development of the system were late deliveries from the supplier and also sporadic and inaccurate delivery schedule information from the supplier. The implementation approach is discussed along with the problems that were encountered en route and the measures that were undertaken to ensure that implementation was successful. The importance of metrics is stressed, as these are essential if any improvements are to be quantified. The metrics enable justification of such projects in financial terms which is compounded by the ‘soft’ benefits that result from the use of such systems.