Businesses have many reasons to conduct B2B Commerce. B2B Commerce can be used for contract manufacturing, customs declarations, forecasting and demand management, global trade compliance, hazardous material handling, order and inventory management, and supply-chain logistics. There are many benefits and reasons to conduct B2B Commerce (see The B2B Learning Center for more on How do companies use B2B?). Benefits and reasons to conduct B2B Commerce include:
Eliminate Manual Processing. B2B Commerce replaces email, faxes and paper documents with electronic forms/files.
Reduce B2B Processing Cycles. Removes manual steps in key B2B Commerce processes. Processing times can be reduced from days to hours or minutes.
Eliminate Dual-Data Entry. Eliminate Dual-Data Entry by allowing customers to place orders from within their own business application, instead of requiring customers to manually place orders via the supplier’s eCommerce Website only.
Improve Data Quality. Improve data quality by eliminating manual and duplicate data entry steps. The quality and accuracy of business information can be greatly improved.
Improve Demand and Supply Forecasting. Balance demand and supply by collaborating with customers online to develop accurate short- and long-term forecasts while managing inventory consumption and replenishment activities. This can all be done electronically at a detail level in a cost-effective manner.
Manage Complex Logistics Operations. Manage Complex logistics by automating shipment and customs processes and using RFID technologies for efficient delivery of products globally. Uses: Product Order Matching and Visibility.
Improve Communications Between Business Partners. Communicate with Outsourcing Partners by sending standards-based business documents ensures accurate instructions, reports, transactions, etc.
Better Manage Contract Manufacturing Activities. Monitor Contract Manufacturing Activities by receiving automated work-in-process information about production rates and yields.
Secure Data Movement. Replace Unsecured Email Attachments by using B2B Commerce solutions that automatically handle encryption and digital certificates for information privacy.
Many small and medium-size businesses have missed the opportunity with B2B eCommerce. Read more about The Missed Opportunity of B2B eCommerce.