Strategic Questions for Top Management

In the following section, we will discuss how best to leverage e-commerce strategically and operationally to maximize the value at the customer interface, a focus which is also relevant to its mirror image of purchasing. Process cost reductions will not be separately addressed because of their lack of differentiating power. 

For each segment in the industry matrix, a preferred e-commerce solution (an e-channel) will evolve which exhibits a distinctive set of e-commerce functionalities (Fig. 7.4). Four basic e-channels can be defined extranets, which serve as a 

Extranet Oriented Non-woven Staple fiber Cast film Healthcare Boxes Industry network Semi-finished Non-oriented Compounds Packaging Household Caps QiP 

E-trading platform Furniture Buckets E-exchange Extruded flat tape  

Even in the plastics industry more than 80% will be contract sales due to 

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