Exploring The Influence of Information Exchange Determinants on Supply Chain Performance: An Empirical Study

Abstract

In the field of supply chain management, information exchange is increasingly recognized as an intangible asset when it concerns specific operational and strategic data shared between partners.In this study, information exchange refers in particular to the sharing of demand forecasts, inventory levels, production plans, and order status updates between Moroccan manufacturing companies and their logistics partners.Organizations aim to develop such information-sharing practices to gain a comparative advantage within their supply chain, influencing the entire process, both upstream and downstream.Logistics, grounded in principles of flexibility and costeffective adaptability, leverages accurate and timely information as a key driver for optimal performance.This paper addresses the following question: How can the exchange of specific supply chain information (e.g., demand forecasts, inventory data, production schedules) influence the supply chain performance of Moroccan manufacturing companies?A quantitative approach was employed with a positivist stance and a hypothetico-deductive reasoning framework.The study used the Smart PLS model to test the relationships between variables.Data were collected from a sample of 100 Moroccan manufacturing companies, enabling an analysis of interactions between these specific forms of information exchange and supply chain performance within the specific context of Morocco.The study's findings reveal that targeted information exchange, particularly regarding operational and strategic supply chain data, within logistics partnerships has a positive impact on the supply chain performance of Moroccan manufacturing companies.Companies fostering structured and reliable information exchange with their logistics partners achieve superior performance, particularly in terms of flexibility, adaptability, and efficiency in logistics processes.The results confirm that specific information exchange is a critical factor in enhancing supply chain performance.By prioritizing the exchange of key supply chain information (e.g., demand forecasts, inventory levels, production and delivery data), Moroccan manufacturing companies can improve key logistical outcomes such as flexibility and efficiency, thereby gaining a competitive edge in their supply chain operations.