Virtual supply chains and their application in business: example of Poland

Abstract

New technologies and business models, that are applied, lead to sharp changes in the activity of most companies. Their adaptation to changing business conditions could become a company’s guarantee of success in a competitive environment. In order to increase the competitiveness, companies are looking for ways to optimize logistic processes; therefore, the adaptability of electronic solutions is gaining more attention. It comes as no surprise that companies are trying to transfer traditional logistic activities into a virtual space. Considering the fact that e-logistics is still a relatively new branch of science that requires further investigation, the primary focus of the present article is on the links between e-logistics and e-business as complementary elements vital for modern business. Moreover, various scientific approaches to the virtual supply chain, which belongs to one of the major operating media of e-logistics, are discussed. The article also presents the results of the research which reflects the real situation in tire and rim sales market in Poland, where virtual supply chains are applied.