E-Commerce, according to Louise Gerstner, Chairman of IBM is “… all about cycle time, speed, globalization, enhanced productivity, reaching new customers and sharing knowledge across institutions for competitive advantage.”
REDUCES CYCLE TIME
Cycle time refers to the time it takes from start to finish producing one unit of
product or the time it takes to provide a service from beginning through completion.
The E-commerce technologies are designed to replace traditional paper-based workflow with faster, more efficient and reliable communications between computers. All you need is a computer, a browser, and internet access, you are limited only by your imagination!
The time, expense and personnel required to issue dozens of purchase orders, track and stock all the individual components, and manage numerous manufacturers, can be virtually eliminated through the application of e-commerce.
Instead of relying on paper, telephone, facsimile or mail to exchange purchase orders, quotes and invoices, e-commerce allows computer-to-computer exchange of intercompany business documents. This therefore reduces the cycle time of the overall work needed to be carried out.
IMPROVES EMPLOYEES' EMPOWERMENT
Employee empowerment means placing the authority to make critical decisions with those closest to the problem, for example, those in the work area directly affected.
Employee empowerment helps to improve productivity within an organisation. It allows the allocation of resources to activities to be carried out. This makes one person resposible for the handling of a specific case.
Another resource best practice which focuses on the types and availability of resources is to
give workers most of the decision making authority and reduce middle management.
FACILITATES CUSTOMER SUPPORT
As the Internet has matured, online shoppers are expecting more from online merchants. They want instant answers to their questions, their online transactions backed by customer support and a positive shopping experience.
E-commerce facilitates customer support which make your website visitors feel as though they are visiting a brick and mortar retail store. They can be greeted when they enter; products that suit their needs can be shown to them. If they need assistance, their questions can be answered in real time. Promotions and discounts can be offered to them while they are browsing. Such real-time interaction provides a high quality shopping experience. Customers will remember their positive experience and keep coming back.
Advantages of customer support includes increased sales, cost effectiveness, marketing tool, and fast plus efficient communication.
Here's a excellent presentation on e-commerce, be sure to check it out.
* ~ + gLaM_QuEEn + ~ *
No comments:
Post a Comment