Implementation of e-procurement and e-fulfillment processes: A comparison of cases in the motorcycle industry

Electronic business is the process which uses Internet technology to simplify certain company processes, improve productivity and increase efficiency. It allows companies to easily communicate with their suppliers, buyers and customers, to integrate "back-office" systems with those used for transactions, to accurately transmit information and to carry out data analysis in order to increase their competitiveness. The aim of this work is to define the parameters which can be used to define the performance of companies which use e-business. Particular attention is given to procurement and fulfillment in order to compare the companies studied and measure their efficiency. Fulfillment means controlling and managing transactions, warehouses, transportations and reverse logistics. This analysis is followed by case studies of two large Italian companies in the field of motorcycles. The market strategy they use and the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in their procurement and distribution processes is analyzed. This comparison provides useful information regarding the way in which Internet can be used by two companies which operate in the same market. The paper ends with the presentation of an evolutionary model for e-business strategy. The stages of the model go from the use of ICT simply as instruments of communication to the improvement of coordination processes. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.