The obligation to keep value chain management simple and standard

Asserts that by examining value chain management (VCM) in a systematic and consistent way, overall speed, certainty and cost‐effectiveness can be improved. Seeks to promote the full benefits of VCM by encouraging the maximum degree of common expression, procedures and communication, and suggests ways in which this can be done. Identifies four key steps in the successful application of VCM: agreement of fundamental objectives; measure current performance; define current and potential partners; and redefine the key processes by which the objectives are to be met more cost‐effectively.