By seamlessly integrating supply chain suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers into a single

virtual enterprise serving the customer, companies are achieving huge competitive advantages. Companies such as Federal Express, Proctor & Gamble, and Wal-Mart have used the networked supply chain to dramatically transform the competitive landscape of their markets.

In a networked supply chain, each supplier and partner can securely access key business information and is empowered

to make informed decisions to best serve customers. The benefits of a supply chain include

Faster inventory turns throughout the supply chain, reducing both inventory carrying costs and overall product cost base.

Enhanced customer satisfaction through online order entry and configuration.

Flexibility to design, ramp up, and retire products rapidly in response to customer and market demand.

Shorter engineering-to production cycle time to increase market share.

Ability to sustain product quality while outsourcing major portions of the fulfillment process.