Companies can take advantage of the integrated nature of CIM to use the database information from design and scheduling to create purchase orders for materials. Materials arrive at a workstation when needed, in accordance with the routing instructions. The integrated nature of the scheduling algorithm makes it possible to purchase materials with enough lead time to ensure on-time delivery. If vendor-supplied items are not coordinated tightly with needs, the ability to deliver on time is jeopardized. Another way to gain a competitive edge in purchasing is to create a supply chain with the company's vendors.
Some companies treat vendors as an extension of their own in-house workstations.
Before they engage a vendor they make sure it is qualified to meet high quality standards, just like their own internal operations. They go so far as to assist vendors in upgrading their quality and production management skills so that they do not become weak links in the supply chain. They also, as policy, strive to maintain relationships with specific sets of vendors through long-term contracts for services and supplies. This is where work is done that directly affects the customer's receivable. This step applies equally to service firms and goods producers.