ABSTRACT
Linkages are how partners in the supply chain coordinate their joint enterprise. They include any of the supply chain components — physical, information, financial, or knowledge flow. Strong links lead to a well-coordinated effort; weak ones to an uncoordinated effort. The above quotation comes from a General Motors executive. He was pointing out the “green field” opportunity presented by emerging automobile markets. These markets are unencumbered with the dealer networks and inflexible assembly lines we have in the U.S. As such, they are an excellent test bed for introducing e-commerce solutions — an innovative linkage — into the supply chain. For a world moving to e-commerce, the dealers and assembly lines could become weak links.
