Achieving information integration in supply chain management through B2B e-hubs: concepts and analyses

While supply chain integration is measured at three levels: information, resources and organization, the emphasis of the paper is placed on how information integration can be achieved through B2B e-hubs. After reviewing the concept of supply chain integration and the evolution of e-hubs, we examine two groups of e-hubs classified by supply chain processes, namely procurement and transportation, along with two case studies of each. A value-gap analysis is performed from the perspectives of facilitating supply chain activities and connecting chain partners, revealing that gaps and limitations do exist in existing e-hubs. Finally, we present a framework for integrating existing e-hubs into other advanced information technologies, such as ERP and CRM, to bridge the gaps and to expand their functionality to provide better solutions to supply chain integration.