Mobility : a by-product of supply chain integration

Abstract

Traditional small retail businesses are among the most immobile and inflexible working environments, however, as the need for supply chain integration is increasing these businesses are also reshaping and reforming. This presentation discusses part of the findings of recent qualitative research that explores the implementation of a new integrated enterprise management software to a chain of medium-size retail stores in New Zealand. We interviewed store managers and other employees in the stores as well as trainers and facilitators. We found that the cloud-based nature of the new technologies has led to new-found mobility. Findings indicate that store managers' mobility was improved as a result of improved visibility/tangibility of information across all functions. This allowed better delegation of tasks, while it facilitated making important decisions while away from the store. We also found technical skills learned in the process by the employees enhanced their mobility within the same retail chain and beyond.