Even where a sector-specific exchange is independent, users may well be able to use it for supply chain management. De facto standards grow up, making it likely that companies within the industry will use the same software. Users can download full information about products directly into their Cad applications, and use these to generate purchase requests. Companies should take great care with the integration process. You will get some value from simple integration, but there is a lot of work to be done before a firm can reap all the potential benefits of electronic marketplaces.
Integration can be unexpectedly complex.
A client will say he has a particular ERP system. But on closer inspection, it may have dozens of systems across different divisions - these are often highly complex and customised. Software developers form alliances Mr Weller of i2 highlights another issue. We are designing the next generation of marketplaces - to interface with internal software systems. Chris Miller, group procurement adviser at Shell, believes not.