Use of information systems for supply chain management in north east China: Current status and future direction

The current status and future direction of the use of information systems for supply chain management (SCM) in North East China are the subjects which we will deal with. The aims are three points: (1) to clarify major challenges and developments on the use of information systems for SCM by enterprises, (2) to check the actual level of satisfaction of current policy on SCM, and (3) to reveal the actual need of enterprises in North East China on effective use of information systems for SCM. The findings of our investigation and analysis show that enterprises in Liaoning, Heilongjiang, and Jilin, face similar challenges but all are in different stages of developments of SCM. Their use of information systems explains their chief focus on supply chain partnership and weakness in demand chain partnership. Major findings suggest that governments and companies alike in this region do not seem to be prepared for playing a significant and demanding role in global supply chains. Current deficiencies, including limited abilities in building valuable forward relations, weak strategic planning and organization, and infrastructural problems, are major obstacles for fast development in SCM. At the same time though, traces of changing mentalities do exist, setting the ground for improved performance and ultimately for a better position in global business.