Supply Chains to Virtual Integration

Based on the infrastructure provided by internet technologies, fundamental changes are occurring in the way firms design, assemble, deliver and support products and services. These changes have the potential to produce dramatic cost savings within firms and across their supply chains. At the same time, internet technologies have laid the foundation for the Network Economy model. Written by a practitioner in the field and a business strategy academic, this book bridges the gap between high-level strategy books and technology implementation guides. The book provides business and IT managers with a comprehensive framework for evaluating their existing supply chain systems, for evaluating the various technology options available, and for targeting the elements within it that can be automated with the least risk and highest return on investment.

Ram Reddy is a senior consultant with the Cutter Consortium and president of Tactica Consulting Group. He provides technology and business strategy consulting services to Fortune 1000 firms. He is the former chief technologist for a Fortune 500 firm and CIO of a Tier-1 automotive supplier. Reddy has written numerous articles on business strategy and information technology issues for Information Week and Intelligent Enterprise.

Sabine Reddy, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of management at California State University at Long Beach. In her work, Dr. Reddy has examined the use of information technology for coordination in multinational firms. She is a member of the Academy of Management, Academy of International Business, and INFORMS.