Brief history of ICT in supply chains (1980s)

The 1980s witnessed further ICT (Information & Communication Technology) breakthroughs. New Enterprise Resource Software software packages were introduced to the market.

Large companies such as logistic service providers developed their own enterprise wide software systems. Also electronic markets began to emerge. Mathematical algorithms for route planning and resource allocation found their way into computer software. Geo ICT emerged as maps and network data was digitized. Companies started to realize that ICT could be a competitive weapon. Also, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) emerged that started to enable communication between supply chain organizations. Standard messages were introduced for Business-to-Business (B2B) transactions.