|
Top concerns for CEO's in today's
manufacturing business environment are:
- the threat posed by competitors;
- controlling costs;
- finding new opportunities;
and
- improving responsiveness;
- better customer focus and
service.
E-manufacturing is capable
of delivering these benefits.
Manufacturing business of all
sizes in all sectors are using the Internet in many different
ways - to work with partners and suppliers, for procurement,
for internal activities such as knowledge sharing and new product
development, and much more.
Companies such as United Technologies,
General Electric and many others are reporting benefits from
the use of the Internet. These benefits include:
- improved speed of response;
- cost savings;
- improved communications, information
and knowledge sharing;
- reductions in inventory;
- improved efficiency and productivity;
- harmonisation and standardisation
of procedures;
- better transfer of best practices;
- acquisition of new customers
and increased sales;
- improved customer service.
However the benefits are achieved
not by technology (which is an enabler) but by addressing strategy,
technology, organisation, people and business processes as an
integrated whole and making changes in all these dimensions.
The Internet is just like other information technologies - change
management, good implementation practices and clear business
objectives are required in order to reap the full benefits.
Executives and managers can
learn more by reading our e-business publications. "Electronic
Business: The Executive Guide" provides an introduction
to the Internet and its potential. It is written for the benefit
of non-specialists and avoids the use of jargon. No prior knowledge
of the Internet is assumed. "E-business
Strategy: Case Studies, Benefits and Implementation"
is a much more detailed publication which is focused on both
understanding and development of an e-business strategy. "E-business Strategy Tools: Practical
Help for Executives" is a publication that provides
a number of practical tools to help formulate an e-business strategy
or to check/verify an existing strategy. "E-business
Technical Change: A Manager's Guide" is a publication
that provides assistance to managers wishing to manage the organisational
and people changes associated with the introduction of e-business
technologies - includes guidance, checklists and analysis tools. |