Abstract
In today’s business world, most companies operate within an integrated system, or a network of organizations of upstream suppliers and downstream customers that produce and distribute products and services. It is estimated that about 60% to 70% of today’s transactions in any company are completed in the supply chain (Bovel & Martha, 2000). E-partnership in the supply chain is, therefore, the focus of this chapter. This author argues that e-partnership provides a powerful and transformative means for supply chain management to achieve its objectives through extended relationships and enhanced information technologies. The rationale for the argument is that an e-partnering supply chain can lead to greater business opportunities, better integration of suppliers and vendors, better management information, lower operational costs, better market understanding and expanded geographical coverage. Therefore, a partnership approach to the supply chain provides significant opportunities to maximize bottom line results. Helping to better understand the broader operational context of e-partnerships, this chapter explores the recent development of the supply chain, specifically, electronic and e-business supply chain and its interfaces with e-partnerships. The chapter presents a broader comprehensive view of the landscape in which e-partnership prevails and the role it plays in the e-business arena.