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E.BIZ -- THE WEB SMART 50
STREAMLINING Cutting steps, time, and costs Dell Computer » The Project: To automate even more of the company's already efficient process, by using the Web to coordinate production with parts vendors. » The Payoff: Computers often ship from Dell's factory 15 hours after they're ordered, down from at least 30 hours before the changes. Miller Brewing's Eden, N.C., Brewery » The Project: Cut waste by using the Net to monitor production lines for breakdowns and quality problems. » The Payoff: Mistakes such as broken and mislabeled bottles have dropped from 5% of production to one-tenth of 1%--the lowest rate among Miller's U.S. breweries. Zara » The Project: To deliver fashion changes as fast as customers demand them, using the Web to speed communications and manufacturing. » The Payoff: New clothing designs can move from concept to store rack within two weeks, and stores can get fresh inventory twice weekly. Cisco Systems » The Project: An automated Web sales-and-inventory-tracking system linking Cisco with its suppliers, manufacturers, and customers. » The Payoff: Savings of some $800 million annually, or 20% of its yearly profit. Herman Miller » The Project: To streamline operations so customers get desks, swivel chairs, and filing cabinets faster. » The Payoff: Miller fills the average order a week faster than in 1995. More than 98% of all orders now ship on time, up from 75%. Webcor » The Project: To connect dozens of companies working on construction projects through the Web and wireless devices. » The Payoff: Coordinates $60 million projects with the same number of managers who once handled $20 million projects. Carreman » The Project: The first to use an e-marketplace for selling fabrics and speeding the delivery of products, making it a model for the tradition-bound textile industry. » The Payoff: Customers can get fabric samples in one day rather than weeks. By yearend Carreman expects to do 40% of its business electronically. PJM » The Project: To create an online energy market that enables up-to-the-minute pricing. » The Payoff: Energy-hungry manufacturers can save millions by shifting production when rates are low. Hallmark Cards » The Project: Web marketplace linking Mom-and-Pop shops with suppliers. » The Payoff: Stores' bottom lines up 10% to 15%. Should generate earnings of $200 million yearly by 2004. Chinatrust » The Project: Offer all consumer and corporate banking services online. » The Payoff: Projected savings of up to $32 million, or 10% of profits, in 2004. University of Florida » The Project: Use the Web to get rid of the paper headaches and run a clinical trial that would have been prohibitively expensive. » The Payoff: Costs cut from hundreds of millions to $35 million. |
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 e.biz Contents for Sept. 18, 2000 issue Introduction THE WEB SMART 50, BY CATEGORY: Products Streamlining Customer Service Marketing Moving the Goods Management |
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