Customers and partners can correctly configure and price Cisco solutions, eliminating the need for rework, which delays order processing. Orders are placed directly into Cisco's procurement database, where they are immediately queued for scheduling. They're processed and readied for shipment without delay, reducing lead times. Cisco has also developed a suite of applications designed to help customers and partners manage the entire ordering process. These commerce-supporting applications consist of seven Commerce Agents that provide direct access to Cisco's internal product ordering and shipping database via the Internet.
Users can monitor progress of orders and track shipments.
Using these applications, customers gain improved order management and increased productivity. These networked applications have received strong support. The applications are equally beneficial to Cisco, its users, and its partners. With its extensive knowledge and expertise in networking, Cisco has leveraged its own network to meet its customers' needs, as well as its own productivity. The internal needs of the enterprise and the needs of prospects, customers, and partners play an important role in designing networked commerce applications.