tected by tough state franchise laws. 2.Hacking of Data:Even though all the online data is protected with high levels of security there might be “hackers” who could break into the system and gain unauthorised access to restricted data. ALTERNATIVE 2: Make no Change In other words, do not harness the advantages of the emerging technologies to our benefit and carry on business the traditional way, using the push mode. Ford’s supply chain has always been updated and is using techniques like Just-In-Time (JIT), and Total Quality Management (TQM). This ensures that costs are kept low (like manufacturing costs, inventory costs) and quality maintained. Advantages:Will save investing billions of dollars on untested/unproved grounds ie no success stories.Disadvantages:Might loose market share as other companies like Toyota (http://global.umi.com/pqdweb?ReqType=301&UserId=IPAuto&Passwd=IPAuto&JSEnabled=1&TS=953862775 are planning their move on to the net.There is an ever-growing demand for lower prices and high quality cars. The only way to lower prices any further is to minimize the gap between the different components in the supply chain to obtain maximum benefits. RECOMMENDATION In today’s auto world to remain competitive, Ford will have to remain a low-cost producer of high-quality vehicles. I would strongly recommend alternative one: To virtually integrate the supply chain. The site will be a collection point for data residing in Ford's many client/server and Mainframe applications that manage activities ranging from product design and quality control to sales and after market services. The Ford site will let the automaker and all its suppliers to share more information and do it more quickly for design requirements, demand forecasts and production schedules. Using the Internet to supply real time information will result in inventory reduction across the supply chain, reducing days and dollars overall. Furthermore, it...
