Process Industry - "E-Business"?

E-Business is the execution of business transactions over the Internet - sorry, it is no more complicated than that. Supply chain transactions that involve e-business include the flow of information, product, and of course - funds. Companies that conduct e-business can perform some or all of these functions on-line:

- Provide all information across the supply chain - MSDS's or labels anyone?
- Contract bidding, reverse auctions, negotiating prices and contracts with both customers and suppliers. Procurement and accounts receivable.
- Accepting customer orders directly into our ERP systems.
- Allowing customers to track order progress.
- Filling and delivering orders to customers - not great for the process industry, but pretty effective when the "product" can be delivered via the Internet (books, music, etc)
- Receiving payment from customers - faster is always better.

All of these types of transactions have been completed in the past via different "channels" real world speak - brochures, customer service calls, electronic data interchange (EDI) etc. The Internet has allowed the transfer of this information quickly and very broadly - to anyone who has an Internet connection. E-business is working in both of the main supply channels B2B (business to business) and B2C (business to consumer). Amazon.com transformed multiple industries when they went live and then expanded their product lines.

How can the process industry expand their markets, and implement operational excellence through e-business? The possibilities are as endless as the Internet itself!

Synchronous LLC is committed to maintaining a continuing dialogue on operational excellence and best practices for the process manufacturing industry. To pose a question, contribute a best practice, or otherwise add to the dialogue, send a note to RobBaldwin@SynchronousLLC.com . To subscribe to our weekly newsletter send your preferred email contact address to Webmaster@SynchronousLLC.com with SUBSCRIBE in the subject line.