It includes tier-one suppliers only. Most planned vendor interaction is through documentation and seldom involves status reporting. Communications are transactional and include quoting, purchase orders, and releases. This stage is characterized by an increased scope and includes tier-two suppliers and beyond. There is also increased interest in status reporting, some data sharing among participants, and generally more complex interrelationships.
Communications are transactional with the addition of data flow.
Includes programs that benefit all members of the chain. It elevates supply to collaborative involvement among the members, including strategic planning and risk sharing. Communications at this level go well beyond transactions and data and include information of all types. Cooperative interaction and proactive behavior based on critical information that flows freely and simultaneously throughout the supply network. It is sometimes referred to as the glass pipe.