ABSTRACT
Once a firm has developed advanced supply chain management (ASCM) relationships on both the upstream (with key suppliers) and downstream (with key distributors and customers) sides of its supply chain network, it is in a strong position to begin working collaboratively with key business partners on new design and manufacturing techniques. The internal house will be in order and experiments with external partners should be showing the value of advanced networking with trusted allies. Once again, the concepts involved are not new, but their use is gaining momentum. Companies in a wide range of industries are finding it advantageous to use collaboration and technology to speed the design, development, and possibility of success with new product and service introductions. Advanced firms are moving even further by enhancing the life cycle management of these products from design through manufacturing to consumption. Improved manufacturing techniques are also part of the potential from this part of ASCM.
