As Tom Hayes explains, consolidation and rationalisation is the order of the day in the sub-supply sector. Going on the web should make the process of liaison with customers, including checking inventories and processing transactions, much easier. Graham O'Keeffe, e-business manager in Enterprise Ireland, explains how the Internet can be such a huge advantage. At component design stage, lots of discussion goes to and fro between supplier and manufacturer. Using the Internet makes this process much easier.
Inventory control becomes much easier, too.
Component makers can know what their clients' stock situation is before they reorder. Mr O'Keeffe says that for component manufacturers using the web, it's about sharing information, saving time, cutting costs and increasing efficiencies. The Enterprise Ireland eBusiness package embraces a series of solutions to help Irish companies get online and these are invaluable for any component or sub-supply companies wanting to use the web. Mike Neary, director of the Information Society Commission, says that when component manufacturers use the web, it can heighten efficiencies in such areas as ordering and sending invoices. They did something similar with the Linkages programme, which was designed to boost the supply of Irishmade components and it seems that they will give the same encouragement when it comes to Internet use.