IMPACT OF eCOMMERCE ON SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
How Does eCommerce Affect SCM?
We already discussed the eCommerce impact on SCM concerning increased product demand. This is a direct impact, but is this the only one? Definitely not. eCommerce development has also indirectly impacted SCM, such as improved efficiency, SCM automation, improved SCM logistics, better communication from front to the back end, and improved customer experience. This impact derives from the need of companies to "do better," which is measurable terms. It refers to profits, but it refers to reducing costs while maintaining or increasing their clientele in actionable terms.
This was achieved with supply chain management eCommerce integration, where the different steps of SCM were connected through enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, avoid unnecessary delays or "middle-men" in this way. ERP-integrated eCommerce has helped both companies and customers in distinct ways. It allows process visibility, which can be beneficial for both parties, building customers' confidence in the company. It will enable the company to pinpoint areas that could be improved. Furthermore, SCM ERP eCommerce integration has led to the automation of processes, as information can flow from one stage to the other without the need of busy employees to oversee certain parts. That has allowed both for the robustness of the process and flexibility, as information can be easily diverted wherever needed with a few clicks.