As an automobile goes down the assembly line, signals are sent electronically to component manufacturers to ensure the appropriate parts are delivered to the right part of the assembly line at the right time. This has enabled auto manufacturers to ramp supply to meet demand as well as provide a broader range of options to customers while maximizing assembly line efficiency. High technology is also cooperative, as illustrated by Microsoft, Intel, and Compaq Corporations. Cooperative dialog ensures that supplies flow properly to Compaq, enabling it to build and ship its computers in high volume at a lower cost than its competitors. The faster Compaq products reach consumers, the greater market share Compaq, Intel, and Microsoft can capture and the sooner they accrue benefits from a growing installed base, name recognition, and follow-on software sales.
Cooperation pays off.
Those who collaborate best stand to win sizable market and revenue benefits. Preparing Yourself for a Collaborative Electronic Enterprise Companies that commit to doing business this way also commit to IT infrastructure optimization. With commitment and a team in place, the first step is to integrate and optimize basic business processes. Processes are usually interdepartmental and cross-functional. It must be robust enough to process high volumes of information, consistently integrate information among all members of the extended enterprise, and ensure data integrity.