E-commerce guide: Supplies on de-mand
13 September 2012
Most e-procurement so far has targeted indirect spend, but some firms are already using it for direct materials. Malcolm Wheatley assesses the impact of Internet sourcing on purchasing strategy
The place: Custom Interconnect, a 40-strong, £2.5 million electronics company in Whitchurch, Hampshire. The time: an early morning in July this year. There’s a worldwide shortage of common electronics components, thanks to demand for mobile phones, personal organisers and computers. Consequently, explains commercial director Carolyn Gambles, minnows of Custom...