Managing supply chain in the context of SMEs: a collaborative and customized partnership with the suppliers as the key for success

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the efforts of a Spanish SME, Bodega Pirineos, to combine technology and a customized strategy in communication management with its suppliers. This is extremely important because of the necessity to adapt its supply system to the characteristics of its micro‐suppliers, which are key trade partners of the firm. Design/methodology/approach – The approach used was a case study. Findings – The case study suggests how firms must adapt their supply relationships both with suppliers and with the environment. The paper shows that technology is not always enough. Firms need to understand their partners and to communicate with them. Research limitations/implications – This paper is based on a specific case study. Therefore, its recommendations may be successfully applied to other products in different settings and in other sectors. Practical implications – The ideas contained in this case study can help supply chain managers to reflect on the necessity of understanding their strategic suppliers. Communication between a company and its suppliers is important for improving the efficiency of its supplying management. A proper management of business‐to‐business communication flow may guarantee the achievement of the necessary inputs and the meeting of the required standards for its products. Understanding why and how Bodega Pirineos customizes communications flows with its micro‐suppliers will help both managers and researchers to reflect on the idea that communication needs comprehension more than technological intensity. Originality/value – The special characteristics of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) seem to recommend strategies adapted to their economic and human resources. The paper highlights a successful strategy based on the SME context. It includes both the firm's and their most representative suppliers' perspective.