Enterprise Applications Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Enterprise Applications - Research Paper Example From this paper it is clear that  supply chain management (SCM) information flow management among and between the supply chain stages with the view of maximizing profitability and supply chain effectiveness. In this case, the supply chain includes all the parties that are either indirectly or directly involved in the purchase of raw materials or products. Unlike in the past where organizations were more focused on quality improvements and manufacturing, a shift has been experienced in the current corporate world towards influencing SCM to include suppliers and customers. Thus, organizations are expected to embrace technologies that would have an effective impact on the management of the supply chains.  As the discussion stresses virtually seamless links of information between and within organizations form an essential part of integrated supply chains. The major role of Information Technology (IT) in the supply chain is thus to establish tight process and information linkages or c reate integrations between organizational functions. Technological advances made in the recent past have made integrated SCM possible. SCM is driven by various factors including visibility, consumer behavior, speed, and competition. Visibility refers to having a clear view of all the areas of the supply chain, up and down.  Changes in consumer behavior are also evident in the market environment as consumer demands have increased, and so has the need for organizations to respond to such needs faster and effectively by enhancing the supply chain.