Deal Them In
Along with integrating suppliers, technology can also be used to link other business partners, such as dealers and distributors. Ferrari North America, based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., provides a good example.

The automobile importer/distributor uses advanced BusinessLink’s Java web server running on an IBM AS/400 to enable its 30 U.S. dealers to place warranty claims or order parts on its dealer communications system extranet.

In the past, dealers used long-distance lines to either call or fax in their requests to Ferrari. “The extranet has automated and speeded up the process of servicing our dealers,” says Richard Mok, senior analyst, noting that it now takes only a PC, a browser and an account with a local Internet service provider to connect to the system.

“We estimate that the system is saving us $2,000 to $3,000 per month in phone costs, not to mention the superior convenience and speed that comes with the extranet,” he concludes.

By the permission of Beyond Computing. Copyright © 1998 IBM magazines in affiliation with Forbes Special Interest Publications Group, all rights reserved. (http://www.beyondcomputingmag.com)