Developing a B2B E-Commerce Implementation Framework: A Study of EDI Implementation for Procurement

ABSTRACT

A case study was performed examining the electronic data interchange (EDI) implementation projects of four divisions of an aerospace company. By interviewing both partners in the relationship, a business-to-business (B2B) electronic commerce (e-commerce) implementation framework was developed. The framework provides guidelines for the type of e-business partnership to be pursued based on the volume of transactions (low vs. high) and complexity of transactions (simple vs. complex). Machine-to-machine B2B solutions should be pursued when the there is a high transaction volume of simple transactions. In other situations, potential B2B solutions include: e-business pull, partner access-extranet/push, or manual e-transmission.

KEYWORDS:

• electronic commerce (e-commerce)
• electronic data interchange (EDI)
• interorganizational systems (IOS)
• adoption of IT
• partnerships

Notes

1: Initially worked at Division 1 and then moved to Division 4;

2: Initially worked at Division 4, then provided consulting services to Division 1; and

3: Initially worked at a division not included in this study. Division 3 had a similar process as the division that this participant came from.