Firms are always connected to both their suppliers and customers and their wants and needs. The focus was on supply chain optimization to minimize costs and reduce inventories. However, new supply chain technologies are emerging to respond to business disruption and supply chain challenges such as those related to the global spread of COVID-19. On the other hand, this crisis raised the importance of analysing changes in demand before and after that outbreak.

Discuss giving examples from practice: how Accounting Information Systems (AIS) assists in business integration with external parties such as suppliers and customers.

(300 400 words) with references please