Future challenges for information integration in multi-dimensional agri-food supply chain networks (original) (raw)

2008, International Journal of Agricultural Resources, Governance and Ecology

Agri-food companies increasingly participate as networked enterprises in multi-dimensional, dynamic and knowledge-based networks. They have to make new connections rapidly and employ 'up-to-the-minute' information smoothly in business operations. Appropriate exchange and integration of information should enable this. As part of the Dutch co-innovation program 'KodA', an indepth study investigated the role of information integration in multi-dimensional networks, described the current situation in agrifood supply chain networks (particularly arable farming) and provided a vision for the future. This paper presents the results of this study. It concludes that the level of standardization for data, application and process integration in arable farming is poor. A serviceoriented approach that supports companies to concentrate on their business processes is proposed as a solution direction. Developments should focus on industry-specific elements, adopting worldwide cross-industry standards and building upon existing industry standards. A step-by-step approach in which business partners themselves are responsible, organizational embedding and involvement of all relevant stakeholders are important success factors.