B2B e-hubs and information integration in supply chain operations

Purpose: B2B e-hubs have been studied by IS researchers for close to a decade, and supply chain integration is a critical topic for supply chain management. However, the interface of the two topic areas has not received adequate attention from both researchers and practitioners. This paper aims to examine the impact of B2B e-hubs on supply chain integration, with particular emphasis on information integration, B2B e-hub architecture, and enabling technologies. Design/methodology/approach: General system theory (GST) provides the theoretical framework. The main approach is theoretical analysis of information integration and development of e-hub architecture. The paper discusses how information integration can be achieved through B2B e-hubs and explores extensible markup language e-hub architecture and technologies. Findings: GST could provide the theoretical framework of integration, whereas information integration is the foundation of broader supply chain integration. E-hubs open up communication and enlarge networking opportunities and thus tremendously affect information integration. By analyzing B2B e-hubs, this paper explores the mechanism of information integration and points out managerial and technical limitations. Although there are many challenges, e-hubs create value by aggregating and matching buyers and sellers, creating marketplace liquidity, and reducing transaction costs. E-hubs could be a crucial solution to supply chain integration. Originality/value: The paper uses GST as the theoretical foundation to analyze information integration in supply chain operations. The paper explores how e-hubs can support supply chain integration, examines the design and development of B2B e-hub architecture, and compares some enabling technologies. The research provides an understanding of how data interchange solutions can be implemented in supply chain operations.