Supply chain interface problems affecting productivity

The collaboration between supply chain partners is often characterised by complex interactions comprising various interorganisational interfaces. Accurately planned and designed interorganisational interfaces raise the effectiveness and efficiency of organisations, whereas problems at the interorganisational interface disrupt the value‐added processes within supply chain partnerships. Furthermore, interorganisational interface problems have a negative effect on the supply chain partner's productivity. The current paper presents specific problems that arise at supplier‐buyer interfaces, such as organisational, personnel and procedural problems. An empirical research study in which 101 international companies were surveyed through an online‐questionnaire was used to demonstrate the influence of problems at supply chain interfaces on a company's productivity. Finally, productivity‐enhancing interface management instruments are presented.