Enabling SMEs to take full advantage of e-business

Electronic business is rapidly changing the relationships between supply ch ain partners. This paper looks at what is needed to allow SMEs to participa te fully in supply chain integration. First, current trends in supply chain integration, electronic commerce, and Internet support are examined. Next, the goals and results of a study are presented which addressed SME needs i n fast moving consumer goods supply chains. These concepts are then integra ted to determine a way forward for SMEs to participate in e-business. It is found that current Virtual Markets (web-sites or on-line communities that facilitate finding a buyer or seller and track orders) address some custome r supplier relationships but need many enhancements before they can support fully integrated supply chains.