But when everyone starts producing quality products, quality is no longer a competitive edge. So the search for a competitive edge turned to manufacturing efficiency. In the 80s and 90s, companies reengineered, got lean and mean, cut costs and excess fat. You look outside the manufacturing plant to the supply chain. And that's where we are.
Supply chains are the competitive battleground of the new millennium.
The key battles are taking place on the Internet. The Internet makes supply chain integration possible and practical, on a scale few could imagine a few years ago. That's why the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers moved the CSCB Gateway EDI service from traditional VAN to Internet technology a year ago, in partnership with ViaSafe Inc., an e-business integration service provider. Brokers have long been among the most connected players in the supply chain industry. We know that in the future, Internet-based trade facilitation will set the performance benchmarks for our business.