How well companies manage the changes plays a large part in determining what benefits will be realized. It snapped up 20 companies around the world and built a completely new IT infrastructure, creating a fully electronic, paperless work environment. The results, released last week, show the goal was exceeded. There's more to value chains than new technologies. But getting those three items in sync can be a long, drawn-out process.
Productivity can take a nosedive during the turmoil and periods of adjustment.
Shell Chemical Co. Time has to be squeezed out of processes everywhere, and employee attitudes must change before the time element can be compressed. If, instead, the manager depends on sales forecasts from headquarters, then they'd have to bear responsibility for producing too much of the wrong thing. An essential component of making value chains work is helping the individual find value as well, so personal interests can mesh with business interests.