Reap the rewards of supplying electronically
Keywords: Aerospace industry, Technology, Internet
The UK aerospace industry is said to be in danger of losing an international advantage unless it exploits technology in all aspects of its supply chains. To provide this industry with a much-needed boost, UK online for business, the DTI-led industry/Government partnership, recently launched, three free new resources designed to meet the specific needs of small and medium sized companies.
John Home from UK online for business said: "The UK aerospace industry was once at the forefront of electronic business development in design and engineering, but it has been slow to capitalise on technology in other parts of its supply chain. Although customers and suppliers in the UK are not applying any real pressure to adopt e-business, leading US-based aerospace companies have e-enabled their business and are becoming more flexible and responsive to customers. To remain competitive and take a slice of the international market,smaller UK businesses need to capitalise on their existing technology and develop collaborative relationships with trading partners."
The three resource guides are the Supplying Electronically CD Rom, the Liking for Success booklet and the Resource Guide, detailing the material which is available on supply chain issues. All are available via the UK online for business Infoline on 0845 715 2000 or visit the web site at http://www.ukonlineforbusiness.gov.uk/supply
The Supplying Electronically CD Rom provides small businesses with comprehensive information on e-enabling their trading relationships. It offers practical technology solutions to supply chain related business problems across business processes – product development, purchasing, stock control,production, order taking, delivery and customer service. It is easy to navigate and simple to use. There are technology fact sheets in clear, jargon-free language covering issues such as EDI and selling on-line. There are action plans, publications and Internet links to relevant web sites.
The CD Rom also features a real life case studies, including companies from the aerospace industry, explaining how they have implemented technology solutions to improve their competitive position.
For example, a secure internet-based system allows metalwork supplier,Bellhouse Hartwell, and its major client, BAe Systems, to share sales and purchasing data. The number of site visits Bellhouse Hartwell has to make has fallen and it has gained process productivity savings of 50,000.
A new booklet, Linking for Success, has also been launched to complement the CD Rom. It demonstrates how supplying electronically with customers and suppliers can make your business relationships simpler, more productive and more effective. The booklet will help managers understand the supply chains that your business is in, giving you an overview of how technology solutions can help cut time and cost from the way you do business.
For a complete range of Supplying Electronically publications freely available from UK online for business, the Supplying Electronically Resource Guide provides you with a comprehensive list. To order any of these resources or to find your nearest UK online for business adviser who can provide down to earth, practical and impartial advice on trading electronically with customers and suppliers, contact the UK online for business Infoline.
Details available from: UK online for business. Tel: +44 (0) 845 715 2000;Website: http://www. ukonlineforbusiness.gov.uk/supplv
