By John S. McClenahen Even during the most recent U.S. recession and the continuing economic slowdown, manufacturers are continuing to invest in e-business. In the short-term, investment is being driven by productivity increases and cost savings within ...
ByJohn S. McClenahen Even during the most recent U.S. recession and the continuing economic slowdown, manufacturers are continuing to invest in e-business. In the short-term, investment is being driven by productivity increases and cost savings within sales, service and production, reveals a survey of 500 firms done by the Washington, D.C.-based National Association of Manufacturers and Ernst & Young LLP. According to the survey, during the past year, the number of manufacturers using the Internet to sell 6% or more of their goods to consumers or other companies quadrupled to nearly 25%. However, many manufacturers are maintaining manual processes to accommodate customers that are not electronically connected. Indeed, 47% of companies surveyed cite a lack of customer e-business readiness as the primary barrier to their developing and implementing e-business initiatives.
