Levels of supply chain sophistication in the transport industry: retaining technological competitiveness

Abstract

International trade, and in particular exports, is one of the outputs of the New Zealand transport supply chain. The success with which this supply chain is managed greatly impacts the success of New Zealand's trade economy. With this in mind, the purpose of this study was to understand the factors that contribute to technology deployment in the transport supply chain. The study was conducted in a New Zealand setting and asked the question: "What factors contribute to technology deployment in the transport supply chain?" The exploration of nine different entities within the transport supply chain has resulted in three important findings: Firstly, the study identified that there are four main factors that contribute to supply chain sophistication in this industry: ease, efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency. Secondly, it found that each factor has associated sub-factors, which determine the level of supply chain sophistication. These associated sub-factors are by no means a definitive interpretation and the opportunity exists for researchers to further the development of this definition into an advanced or extended model. Finally, the study suggested that each of the factors could be differentiated into three levels of supply chain sophistication, which ultimately affect the level of sophistication. Information to support this study came from semi-structured interviews held with senior Information Systems Managers, company documentation, case studies previously written, company web sites, and documentation and proposals about systems development and initiatives. This data was collected and analysed qualitatively following a case study methodology. Though exploratory and theoretical in nature, the findings are significant to practitioners, particularly to managers of transport companies. With subsequent research, the findings in this study can be substantiated and extended, contributing further to the area of supply chain sophistication.