Approaches to supply chain logistics integration in the textile/clothing sector: an exploratory study in the Region of Campania

Given its potential to reduce lead times and total costs of operations, increase delivery speed, responsiveness and flexibility, and ultimately customer satisfaction, supply chain logistics integration can help to improve the competitiveness of the Italian textile and clothing (T/C) firms. However, few research works on supply chain management in general, and few studies on logistics integration in particular have focused their attention on this sector. This paper analyses the approaches to supply chain logistics integration adopted by T/C companies located in the Region of Campania (Southern Italy) through a qualitative approach based on case studies. The preliminary findings of the study highlight that the prevailing approach to supply chain logistics integration is limited to functional boundaries within the firm.