The importance of congruence in implementing electronic data interchange systems

Examines the importance of congruence between trading partners, along several dimensions, for the successful implementation of EDI networks. The results of a survey of 64 dyads, drawn from US manufacturing firms and their suppliers, are reported, which suggest that congruence is not a critical factor in determining successful EDI implementation, at least amongst firms operating a “traditional” EDI system, in which the links are direct, rather than via the Internet and where the customer has significant bargaining power.