Can the SME survive the supply chain challenges?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and the extent to which they are prepared to meet SCM challenges through the use of modern planning and control methods. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on a cross‐sectional survey of 200 Norwegian companies with informants mainly related to the SCM function and from top management. Findings – The findings clearly indicate that SMEs give less attention to planning and control methods than LEs. SMEs are less satisfied with the methods applied; less concerned with methods supporting SCM on product quality, rationalisation of operations and capital cost rationalisation; less focused on system integration with other actors in the supply chain; and less focused on EDI and e‐based solutions. Research limitations/implications – The study focuses primarily on managerial components and excluded logistics structures and business processes that are more or less inter‐related. Practical implications – Horizontal cooperation or vertical integration can reduce the information technology gap by sharing planning and control systems. The suppliers of support systems should consider delivering complete “turn‐key” solutions for revitalising the supply chain functions, specifically targeted towards SMEs. Originality/value – The strength of this study is that it has been able to identify systematic differences between LEs and SMEs across sectors with respect to how SCM challenges are met.