ENGAGING BIG DATA IN SUPPLY CHAIN: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Lifang Wu
Alan Jin
Thilini Ariyachandra
Xavier University, Cincinnati

ABSTRACT

Big data is believed to provide supply chain partners with greater data availability,
accuracy, and insights. The substantial gap between big data potential and reality indicates that
applying big data in supply chain requires a deeper sense of purpose. This study proposes a
conceptual framework to categorize and clarify big data on two dimensions and then present what
data is needed, who needs that, and where the data comes from in supply chains. This study
contributes to the literature in defining the purposes, sources, ownership, and sharing mechanism
for supply chain big data. In addition to technical challenges, various managerial challenges for
implementing big data initials in supply chains are also discussed.

Keywords: Big data, information, supply chain, process integration, value creation