Supply-Chain Challenges for B2B eCommerce with Examples from the Chemical Industry

Abstract

In this chapter, I examine supply-chain-related challenges that eMarketplaces and existing companies face as business-to-business eCommerce increases. Although the Internet is increasingly attractive for B2B commerce and for supply-chain management, eCommerce is more likely to reveal the inefficiencies in supply chain and to increase customer expectations relative to offline trade. Therefore, managers must understand the supply-chain management challenges associated with B2B eCommerce, especially in light of the fulfillment failures already experienced in business-to-consumer eCommerce.