B2B Integration : A Practical Guide to Collaborative E-commerce

424 B2B Integration — A Practical Guide to Collaborative E-commerce
Table 14.1. Supply chain processes and sub-processes
Process
Supply Chain Planning
Supply Chain Execution
Sub-processes
Order Management
Advanced Scheduling and Manufacturing Planning
Demand Planning
Supply Planning
Distribution Planning
Transportation Planning or Logistics
Procurement
Replenishment
Demand Fulfillment
Distribution Management
Reverse Distribution or Reverse Logistics
Each of these processes is a subject in itself and books can be
written on each one of them. We will briefly discuss a couple of
important processes of a supply chain in the next section.
14.5.3. E-procurement — The transformation of
corporate purchasing
Procurement of raw materials and finished goods is one of the most
important functions in a supply chain. Most companies still use manual
purchasing processes that involve much paperwork and are inefficient
and error-prone. Such purchasing processes are characterized by lack of
automation, zero transparency and huge purchasing overheads.
E-procurement is the process of procuring goods over the Internet,
using an integrated supply chain (see Figure 14.11). E-procurement
has emerged as one of the strongest and most financially beneficial
B2Bi-enabled applications.
An e-procurement solution allows companies to leverage their buying
power, strengthen their supplier relationships and streamline internal
purchasing processes. By automating procurement processes, companies
eliminate any unplanned buying, reduce administrative overheads and
eliminate all the paperwork.