Integrating ICT with SCM: A Pakistan Retail Superstore Industry Perspective

Abstract

The concept of information communication technology (ICT) in supply chain management (SCM) is a new development that is being successfully implemented by many large companies in developed countries. Gradually companies in Pakistan are recognizing that without comprehensive implementation of ICT, SCM cannot provide bottomline benefits but only very few realize its strategic importance in their business. A survey and interviews were conducted with SCM managers of a thriving but very scarcely populated sub-sector of the retail industry of Pakistan―the emerging superstores. The mangers of the supply chain departments are not only responsible for the supply chain strategy but also act as controllers of the technology being used for supply chain operations. The study examines the challenges faced by the expanding Pakistani superstore industry in the management of supply chain operations and proposes solutions to overcome these challenges by establishing the role of ICT in SCM. The solution presented provides parameters and practical approaches to integrate ICT with SCM in an optimum manner so that super stores can achieve valuable end results by implementing desired supply chain objectives and sustaining competitive advantage.