ABSTRACT
This chapter describes issues related to multicompany efforts, those that take place between trading partners. The lack of skill and resistance to change are bottlenecks for partnering in supply chains and the adoption of more modern management methods. This creativity is needed for supply chain partners to fill in the open space between trading partners. The effort identified a useful multilevel collaboration model for relationships between trading partners. Companies can define supply chains for customers wanting different levels of collaboration in making decisions on purchases. When the supply chain concept first emerged, the Supply Chain Council, now APICS Supply Chain Council (SCC), commissioned a team to explore the theme of collaboration. The effort identified a useful multilevel collaboration model for relationships between trading partners. The most important factor is whether the partnership will create new "space" along the supply chain.
