[.ca] E-Supply Chain: Using the Internet to Revoltionize Your ... (ISBN 1576751171)

Sound Advice and Expert Guidance:
I begin with a brief excerpt from the Introduction in which the authors offer some critically important definitions. "In simple terms, supply chain refers to those core business processes that create and deliver a product or service, from concept through development and manufacturing or conversion, into a market for consumption." The authors then clarify further when noting that supply chain management (SCM) involves methods, systems, and leadership which "continuously improve an organization's integrated processes for product and service design, sales forecasting, purchasing, inventory management, manufacturing or production, order management, logistics, distribution, and customer service." These brief remarks answer the question "Within any organization, regardless of its size of nature, who should read this book?" In a word, everyone....or at least everyone with decision-making authority. Here in an uncommonly valuable single source is a wealth of information and analysis about what amounts to, in effect, the organizational equivalent of a neurological system. The authors brilliantly introduce a guiding framework both for the material which follows and for their reader's efforts to absorb and digest that material. They then explain what should be the interdependence of organizational connectivity and business strategy, examining with great care the beneficial impact of effective SCM on e-commerce initiatives. Much has been written about the opportunities which the Internet has created. The authors correctly assert that the greatest of these is the opportunity to achieve total connectivity. Effective SCM ensures that all core business processes will maximize economies of scale in terms of any organization's strategic planning, marketing and sales, communications (especially with customers), resource allocation (especially human capital), order processing, and logistics. In Chapter 11, the authors focus on "The Need for Connectivity with Human Resources" and this material is especially well-positioned near the end of the book because all of the authors' earlier observations and suggestions really cannot have much impact unless and until an organization's most valuable assets are totally committed to SCM. I agree with the authors that a "tsunami-like change" (ie the Internet) is overtaking global business. Sooner rather than later, all organizations will be directly or indirectly involved on a global basis...or they will washed away. What to do? "Business professionals are faced with at least three mandates" as "tsunami-like change" increasing in scope and velocity: "First, they need to make their internal constituents aware of the inevitability of the business-technology convergence and the enormous opportunity it affords the business. Second, they must be catalysts in moving their companies to the necessary external perspective so an advanced supply chain network can be constructed. Third, they have to create the forums, workshops, and pilots through which the value chain constellations can eventually be constructed." Pourier and Bauer explain how. They also explain why. True, this is a practical handbook for creating and then sustaining a "value chain constellation." But in quite significant ways, it is also a manifesto in which the authors share their heart-felt beliefs and carefully-reasoned convictions. I share their hope that those who read the book will then embrace the three mandates. The choice is theirs. If they accept the challenge, Pourier and Bauer have prepared them well to be effective leaders of Supply Chain Management.

Informative:
The authors touch on current supply chain issues that are quite relevant in the new e-world.

Highly Recommended!:
Charles C. Poirier and Michael J. Bauer assert that the future of the American company will resemble an Internet version of the Japanese Keiretsu, interlocked firms within firms. This new value chain constellation - which shares buying, selling and customer information in real time - will offer advantages and services that no single company could ever hope to match working solo. We from getAbstract predict that this will become a necessary textbook for any CEO or CPO who wants to maximize profits via supply chain optimization.

Could be half the number of pages...:
I would not say the book is not good at all. But the information could be passed in very less pages. There are lots of repetitive sayings. Too many vague and generic assumptions and advises. I wouldn't consider it as a 'how-to'. At most, a very general guidance to managers. Definitively is not for the technical team in the project.

Basic Guide to E-Commerce:
How to drive value to customers thru the use of e-commerce represents the central theme of the book. This text outlines how companies enable E-commerce through out their organization. Each aspect of the typical business organization, purchasing, engineering, planning and scheduling, marketing and sales are examined chapter by chapter in order to create a model for transforming the traditional business to E-Business. The authors appear to be targeting mid-level managers in medium size organizations who, from the author's perspective, are computer illiterate. Their analysis is outdated and does not represent the current state of supply chain commerce The text was outdated even as it was published. Not only have Fortune 500 companies systems in place that the author represents as the future enhancement, but hospitals, schools and government agencies surpassed the frame of reference for this book by at least five years. E-commerce does offer opportunities to the companies that can seize right moment, product, or service that can exploit the juncture. Continued advancement in the software packages will only enhance the use of this media. But, be cautious, a company wishing to pursue e-commerce needs to establish goals and objectives and not simply use trial and error as these authors suggest. Use this book as generic resource. The premise of the books intent still represents the current evolution of e-commerce. I believe e-business simply achieved Poirier's and Bauer's future expectations before they could publish this book