Data in this qualitative study was collected through multiple inquiries. SCM consultant interviews gave understanding of the current state of practice. A survey of 48 progressive companies was conducted to identify what IT solutions they have implemented in SCM. This was followed by 18 in-depth case studies to identify the mechanisms for achieving benefits of IT in SCM. Findings Based on the empirical studies five propositions are presented on the use and benefits of IT. First, successful companies have developed focused e-business solution for improving customer service elements that are most important in their business. Second, improved efficiency allows company personnel to focus more on critical business activities. Third, the use of e-business solutions improves information quality. Fourth, e-business solutions support planning collaboration, and improved agility of the supply network. Finally, to gain strategic benefits, the use of IT has to be coupled with process redesign. Research limitations / implications The sample of companies used in the study was selected by expert assessment and is biased towards companies willing to discuss and share results openly. Additionally, the focus of the paper was on single companies and not on the entire supply networks. However, the findings of this study present an opportunity to further develop understanding of the underlying mechanisms of how IT investments benefits supply chain management. Originality / value The paper fulfils an identified need for in-depth case studies that analyze the possible mechanisms behind practical benefits of IT in supply chain management.

Purpose -This paper aims to address two questions: what kinds of benefits are realized from a vendor-managed inventory (VMI) program (operational, i.e. efficiency related, vs strategic, i.e. sales related) and how the benefits are shared at the dyad level (suppliers vs buyers). Design/methodology/approach -The paper uses an exploratory multiple case study with data from five operational VMI dyads, evaluating both buyer and supplier perspectives. Findings -Three empirically grounded patterns of VMI are proposed. Five contextual inhibitors of VMI impacts are suggested.Research limitations/implications -The framework presented has been generated from a relatively small number of cases. Threats to external validity have been mitigated with case selection from multiple operational contexts and grounding findings in prior literature. Practical implications -Using the conceptualization, potential VMI adopters can set more realistic and explicit implementation targets. The suggested contextual factors will help to design more appropriate VMI systems. Originality/value -Past research on VMI can be mainly characterized by modeling/simulation approaches, focus on operational efficiency implications, and concern with impacts to buyers. In contrast, empirical studies on the actual impacts and dyad-level reasons considering also the strategic (sales related) motivations for implementing VMI are few. This study contributes by suggesting how VMI is in some instances motivated not by bilateral interests to develop a supply chain, but by unilateral interests, with buyers searching for effortless purchasing, and suppliers for a means to lock in and secure sales.

The paper introduces a structured logic for iterative and incremental accumulation of a design theory during a research project and across research programs. The logic is proposed to help researchers understand the links between parallel search spaces related to a particular design and linking to theoretical knowledge bases produced by previous search processes. The proposition rests on the notion that representing the structure and logic of design science research (DSR) theory using CIMO enables the elements of the knowledge base to be more easily evaluated, combined, and transferred between related search spaces. We view DSR theory development as an iterative and incremental social process and propose a structured logic as a means to better understand, but also guide, DSR theory development over time.

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