Advice for CEOs

In my last article, I discussed several emerging online business models that are disrupting the traditional supply chain. These models point to a world in which the consumer is in charge and the entire supply chain must adapt to this new reality. In this article, I’ll tackle the topic of channel integration and the critical importance of providing a consistent customer experience across all touch points.

In my last article in this series about ecommerce, I discussed some of the key online trends that you should take into consideration as you invest in ecommerce systems. I said that you not only need to understand changing consumer behavior, but you must align your technology with marketplace demands. I will now explore a few of the emerging business models that are disrupting traditional supply chains.

In my last article, I surveyed the range of activities that fall under the heading of e-commerce. I said you should try to understand how this dynamic channel will impact your industry and company profoundly in the years to come, even if it’s hard to know exactly how. I would like now to mention several frameworks that help CEO’s of emerging growth companies evaluate and exploit e-commerce opportunities.

This series of articles addresses the e-commerce landscape - as it exists today and the various directions in which it is swiftly evolving. Almost every business on the planet will need to understand and invest in “commerce-enablement technology” to stay innovative and competitive. Meanwhile there are key decisions that emerging growth companies need to consider now, to formulate winning digital growth strategies.