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Supply chain management was a discipline that was dominated by logistics experts, strategists and operation research practitioners since early 1950s. Today with the advances in information technology, managers have brought supply chain management into limelight. Organizations have realized that a well-managed supply chain network could be a source of competitive advantage.

The introduction of fast computers, high-speed data transfer lines and the flexibility of data management software has promoted a wide range of applications. The widespread implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software offers the promise of efficient supply chain activities. As many companies have realized that just faster and cheaper networks will not provide the required effect, what is needed is an optimized model that will take care of cost, service, quality and time.   It has been observed that the barriers to integrated supply chain management are organizational and not technical. A look at the fundamentals of the firm’s business environment is needed before the implementation of any supply chain decision is taken.

Globalisation of markets and fierce competition are forcing organizations to continuously improve quality, time to market, customer satisfaction and profitability. To respond to this need organizations are trying to integrate all the activities within the enterprise and across the supply chain. Many Indian companies today are investing into information technology with an objective to improve business processes. The wide spread use of information technology is an indicator that information technology is being used to leverage the company’s resources and thus create a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

In the development and maintenance of Supply chain's information systems both software and hardware must be addressed. Hardware includes computer's input/output devices and storage media. Software includes the entire system and application programme...