Business to business process intergration : technical and social implementation considerations

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand the technical and social considerations of implementing business to business processes integration. In order to do so, a study was undertaken of two processes used by a local vehicle manufacturer to integrate their operations with those of their suppliers. Structuration theory was used to situate the findings. It was found that technology is a powerful enabler, but can also constrain human agency in terms of process execution. Competitive advantage, identified as the main driver for business to business process integration, is enabled by technological and process structures, but can only be maintained by enabling human agency.