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Leveraging the power of the Internet for optimal supplier sourcing

David Tucker (Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK)
Laurie Jones (Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK)

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

ISSN: 0960-0035

Article publication date: 1 April 2000

1692

Abstract

Intelligent software agents offer the potential to unleash the power of the Internet to optimise the process of supplier sourcing. Aims to promote an awareness in the buyer/supplier community of the potential for using intelligent software agents over the Internet for this purpose. The traditional relationship between suppliers and buyers is contrasted with that of Internet‐based trading. This comparison confirms that trust is a critical component in the traditional relationship and that an understanding of the nature of trust is necessary in revealing where and how agent technology will have maximum benefit for both buyers and suppliers. It is shown that the technology that can enable this form of sourcing is already well established, and a range of conceptual agents are described. Finally, identifies the benefits that will accrue to organisations that adopt agent technology as part of their supplier‐sourcing portfolio, and recommendations for further work are made.

Keywords

Citation

Tucker, D. and Jones, L. (2000), "Leveraging the power of the Internet for optimal supplier sourcing", International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 30 No. 3/4, pp. 255-267. https://doi.org/10.1108/09600030010326000

Publisher

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MCB UP Ltd

Copyright © 2000, MCB UP Limited

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