This course introduces the student to the issues in supply chain information technology related to customer relationship management (CRM), distribution resource planning (Dist. ERP), warehouse management system (WMS), manufacturing resource planning (Mfg. ERP), business planning & business intelligence (BI), automation & control (A&C), information connectivity and related case studies. Every industrial distribution major must be familiar with supply chain issues and terminology in order to compete effectively in today’s marketplace. This course should help you become aware of what those issues are and how they should be dealt with.

      The prerequisite for this course is IDIS 343 (Distribution Logistics).

      Information Automation offers many opportunities to transfer data more quickly through the supply chain. Forecasts for instance can be greatly enhanced by the use of direct customer and salesperson input under controlled circumstances. Information that was formerly unavailable for sharing with suppliers has now become available through new technologies as the E-Business movement proceeds. This course examines those procedures, challenges and the technology associated with ERP/E–Business implementation.

      e-Distribution by Lawrence/Jennings/Reynolds, South-Western/Thompson ISBN 032421717, first edition.