Information flow and supply chain management in local production networks: the role of people and information systems

This paper aims to explore supply chain management (SCM) in local production networks (LPN) of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). What is of particular importance in this study is not just the analysis of the characteristics of SCM in these networks which is based on the interplay between local society and business, but the closer investigation of information flows and of how these flows are facilitated by people and information systems. Local production networks are identified and analysed in a specific localised economy in Greece. Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted collecting both qualitative and quantitative data. Major findings suggest that localised production systems are complex economic entities. Information flows are found to be of increased importance especially regarding external information. The role of people is found to be changing with a need of more skilled and knowledgable ones, while the role of information systems was evaluated as critical due to their efficiency and effectiveness on increasing information exchange mainly with external to the district actors in global supply chains.