Information systems as integrative infrastructures: information integration and the broader context of integrative and coordinative devices

In order to effectively utilize information systems in the integration and coordination of activities, the different aspects of information integration and the role of information systems in the broader context of integration and coordination need to be understood.To address this need, a conceptual framework for the assessment of information systems as an integrative infrastructure is proposed.In the framework, information integration is divided into three components of connectivity, data integration, and process integration.In addition, five categories of integrative and coordinative devices are suggested to facilitate the assessment of the integrative role of information systems in a broader context.With the help of the elements captured into the framework, a more comprehensive understanding of the integrative functions of information system infrastructures can be achieved, and complementarity between information systems and the different integrative and coordinative devices facilitated.Empirical examples from five supply chain relationships are provided to illustrate the framework.