A Literature Review on the Application of the Cloud Technology in Supply Chains

The use of cloud technology in business firms contributes to business process optimization and to building infrastructure, platforms and software solutions for the whole supply chain via Internet. The biggest advantage of cloud based technology systems is their simplicity. Cloud eliminates the compatibility problem by using the platform approach and enables connection in every part of the supply chain. Supply chain in cloud computing should be identified and controlled having in mind both business and technical perspective. Supply chain in cloud computing is network of interconnected business firms in the field of cloud technology that are included in provision of final products and aggregated service packages for final users. Business firms that are using supply chain management applications, like e-procurement, warehouse management, transport management, supply chain planning, business intelligence and analysis are already using SaaS solutions or setting clear strategy in order to organize its business activities in the cloud surrounding. The application of cloud technology can be divided into several supply chain activities. Activities like planning and forecasting, making catalogues, procurement, logistics and inventory management are activities within supply chain where cloud technology can be implemented most efficiently. Cloud technology has a great potential for value creation in any business firm. In this paper the usage of the cloud technology in supply chains will be described and the aim of the paper is to define theoretical framework of the cloud technology, analyze the existing literature on the usage of the cloud technology in supply chains and give a review on the future of the cloud technology usage in supply chains.