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by:
Anne Simmons, CITEC Project Manager
What
is e-business? Simply stated, e-business is what happens when
you combine your core business processes with the broad reach
of the Internet.
The
steps toward putting the "e" in your business:
1)
have a web site that functions as an on-line business card;
2)
create a web site that functions as an on-line brochure for your
company;
3)
buy raw materials and services on-line, and build a web site that
sells your products;
4)
then, implement a web site that automatically integrates the ordering
process with shipping, inventory control, accounting, purchasing,
customer service, and all other aspects of your business
There
are advantages to moving your processes to the e-business model,
such as better inventory control, reduced keying mistakes, better
communication with suppliers and vendors, higher efficiencies
and productivity, lower printing costs, better finance and cost
control, reduced product cycle times, improved company-wide communication,
and lower-cost training.
An
example of an e-business solution is an extranet (a password-controlled
web site) maintained by a manufacturer that allows its distributors
to order products, process buybacks, track purchases and receive
invoices. The distributors would also be able to access product
updates, check order status and determine inventory availability.
Don't
think you have to jump in and change your business processes
all at the same time. Start by registering your own domain name
and add each function one step at a time. Look at readily available
solutions (such as banking and travel) and implement them first.
Ideally, you will eventually want to integrate the following:
- Sales & Marketing -
product availability, price lists, product demos, sales reports,
contact management, market research, and sales team collaboration
- Customer
Service & Support - on-line information for both
customers and service personnel, frequently asked questions,
customer database, order entry & tracking, problem entry & tracking,
and warranty claims & processing
- Human
Resources - employee handbook, telephone directory, benefits
information, newsletter, calendar, internal & external
recruiting, policies & procedures, and training
- Engineering -
on-line project conferences, project documentation, project
management, shared development of products & documentation,
and prototype applications
- Manufacturing & Operations -
parts ordering & requisitioning, production schedules,
supplier coordination, inventory control & warehousing,
and quality assurance
- Finance & Accounting -
financial reports, budgets, expense reports, accounts payable,
accounts receivable, timesheets, and payroll
Business-to-business
(B2B) transactions have already outpaced business-to-consumer
sales. Even if Internet sales to consumers doesn't interest you,
keep in mind that the companies you sell your products to or
buy your supplies from may soon only do business electronically.
Don't risk losing business -- b-ready.
AL
"We
learned years ago that it is not the big that devour the small,
but the fast that overcome the slow."
Bernd Pischetsrieder,
CEO, BMW Corp. |
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