Internet--critical for mid-sized manufacturers

By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 7/1/1999

"Clearly, the Internet will become a critical tool for managing the supply chain," says Howard Singer, managing partner, Grant Thornton. His comments stem from the Chicago-based consulting firm's findings in a recent survey asking mid-size manufacturers how they use the Internet (see chart). These mid-size firms have sales ranging from $20 million to $500 million yearly.

Fifty-eight percent of these firms already use the Internet to communicate with customers and suppliers. "The real-time aspect of conducting business over the Internet can only help manufacturers in their supply-chain optimization efforts," Singer adds.

Among supply chain optimization strategies, 74% of surveyed firms are familiar with and now use advanced planning and scheduling. But only 44% say they know about and use distribution management. Manufacturers "are not using the most sophisticated methods or tools" for advanced planning, Singer points out. Only 44% use software applications for this task, and only 36% plan to invest in one of these systems next year.

Call 312-856-0001 for more information on the survey.

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