MGT416 Module 5 Assignment 1 Discussion: Integration Of Tech

Mgt416module 5 Assignment 1 Discussionintegration Of Technologytechn

MGT416 Module 5 Assignment 1: Discussion—Integration of Technology Technology has changed the way we conduct business on a daily basis. A number of organizations have opted for integrating systems and sharing information with their counterparts. Using the Argosy University online library resources and the Internet, research information technology (IT) systems for supply chains. Then respond to the following: · As a manager, if you have to design an IT system for supply chain purposes using a cross-functional team, who would you include on your team and why? · Explain some of the trade-offs you would consider when designing/acquiring the system. Be specific and support your reasoning with examples. After your initial post, discuss the following: · What trade-offs are involved in (a) sharing information with other organizations in a supply chain and (b) the acquisition of information-processing technology? · Who needs to be involved in decisions as they pertain to technology acquisition for supply chain management? · Name three different ways that technology has improved the ability to manage supply chains. · Explain why integrated technology has improved the ability to manage supply chains. Write your initial response in 200 to 300 words. Apply APA standards to citation of sources. By the due date assigned, post your response to the appropriate Discussion Area. Through the end of the module, review and comment on at least two peers’ responses. Consider the following in your response: · Provide a statement of clarification or a point of view with rationale. · Challenge a point of discussion or draw a relationship between one or more points of the discussion. Grading Criteria and Rubric Grading Criteria Maximum Points Quality of initial posting, including fulfillment of assignment instructions 16 Quality of responses to classmates 12 Frequency of responses to classmates 4 Reference to supporting readings and other materials 4 Language and grammar 4 Total: 40

Paper For Above instruction

The integration of technology within supply chain management (SCM) has revolutionized how organizations operate, communicate, and compete in a globalized market. Effective use of information technology (IT) systems enhances transparency, agility, and coordination among supply chain partners. Designing a comprehensive IT system for supply chain purposes requires careful consideration of team composition, trade-offs, and strategic partnerships.

As a manager tasked with developing an IT system for supply chain management, forming a cross-functional team is essential. This team should include representatives from procurement, logistics, operations, information technology, sales, and finance. Procurement and logistics professionals understand the specifics of supplier relations and inventory flow, ensuring source reliability and distribution efficiency. Operations members provide insights into manufacturing processes and throughput, while IT specialists design system architecture and security protocols. Sales and customer service teams offer perspectives on demand management and real-time communication needs. Finance specialists assess cost implications and ROI. Such a diverse team ensures the system is robust, flexible, and aligned with strategic goals, facilitating seamless information flow across all functions.

When designing or acquiring an IT system, several trade-offs must be considered. For example, pursuing comprehensive integration with real-time data sharing can improve responsiveness but may increase costs, complexity, and potential system vulnerabilities. Conversely, limiting integration to core functions might reduce costs and complexity but could hinder agility and decision-making speed (Lyons, 2020). An illustrative example is choosing between an entirely cloud-based platform versus a hybrid system. Cloud platforms offer scalability and lower upfront costs but raise concerns about data security and vendor lock-in, whereas hybrid systems balance control with flexibility but might incur higher maintenance costs.

Trade-offs also extend to sharing information across supply chain organizations. Sharing data enhances coordination, demand forecasting, and inventory management but raises issues of data confidentiality, trust, and potential competitive disadvantages (Christopher, 2016). The decision to involve external partners, such as suppliers and logistics providers, depends on establishing mutual benefits and trust levels. Regarding technology acquisition, key stakeholders—including senior management, IT leadership, and supply chain managers—must collaborate to ensure alignment with organizational strategy, budget, and operational requirements.

Technology has significantly enhanced supply chain management through various avenues. First, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems integrate core processes, providing real-time data visibility (Monk & Wagner, 2013). Second, advanced analytics and artificial intelligence enable predictive insights and demand forecasting, reducing stockouts and excess inventory (Chong et al., 2017). Third, the adoption of blockchain technology increases transparency and traceability within supply chains, reducing fraud and improving compliance (Saberi et al., 2019).

Integrated technology systems have improved supply chain management by fostering end-to-end visibility, enhancing collaboration, and enabling faster response to disruptions. The seamless flow of information across all stakeholders reduces delays, errors, and costs. For instance, just-in-time (JIT) inventory systems depend heavily on real-time data sharing to synchronize supply with demand precisely. Furthermore, integrated systems facilitate proactive decision-making, allowing organizations to anticipate issues and act swiftly, which is crucial during disruptions such as global supply chain crises. Overall, strategic technological integration remains a competitive advantage in modern supply chain management.

References

• Chong, A. Y. L., Lo, C. K. Y., & Weng, X. (2017). The business value of IT investments on supply chain. International Journal of Production Economics, 193, 563–577.
• Christopher, M. (2016). Logistics & supply chain management (5th ed.). Pearson.
• Lyons, T. (2020). Supply chain technology integration: Balancing costs and benefits. Journal of Business Logistics, 41(2), 105–118.
• Monk, E. F., & Wagner, B. J. (2013). Concepts in enterprise resource planning (4th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Saberi, S., Kouhizadeh, M., Sarkis, J., & Shen, L. (2019). Blockchain technology and its relationships to sustainable supply chain management. International Journal of Production Research, 57(7), 2117–2129.