Information technology and structural change in the paper and pulp industry : Some technological, organizational and managerial implications

The paper and pulp industry has experienced a structural change during the last 15 years. The products have differentiated and completely new paper types have been introduced. The standard and classical products, like news print paper, are often specialized and customized versions from the standard product in order to fulfill the specific needs of different printing processes better. These changes have impacted on the production organization and structures of enterprises. The key companies have acquired more production capacity in different countries and have become really international companies. These trends are likely to continue. One of the technological driving forces has been the applying of information technology. The digital process automation systems as well as the mill wide information systems have been strategic tools and technological corner stones in the structural change. However, it is only technology which matters. Also new organisational forms as well as new implementation methods of systems are needed.