The Internet is referred to as a breakthrough technology. In the era of the Digital Revolution, post-industrial society is evolving towards an information society, laying the foundations for the New Economy. Its inherent elements include globalization processes, the mass implementation of information technologies, and the emergence of virtual enterprises. The article describes the characteristics of supply chains in the conditions of the new economy and emphasizes the importance of awareness of the ongoing changes for the efficiency of company management in these conditions. Theoretical issues are based on the results of research on Net readiness (readiness to function in the network) carried out among the largest Polish enterprises.
Logistics processes in the new economy
The features of the new economy are most accurately described by the so-called Tapscott rules. Primary importance is attached to knowledge, which replaces physical labor. The activities of enterprises are based on moving away from analog technology and searching for virtual counterparts to existing solutions, network integration (eliminating intermediaries and ensuring real-time work), as well as novelty and innovation. Furthermore, progressive globalization creates a situation where the consumer becomes a producer (participating in production processes already at the product design stage). These processes require continuous adaptation of companies to evolving markets and customer expectations.
Virtual organizations in supply chains
The described processes lead to the creation of virtual organizations, defined as:
• a temporary, purposeful network of independent companies connected by Internet technology, based on the synergistic effects of cooperation (alliances, joint ventures, co-opetition)
• a new company, integrating processes previously carried out by other enterprises, operating independently and obtaining added value through the synergy of combined functions
• a completely new entity, offering completely new products and completely new functions.
• a new company, integrating processes previously carried out by other enterprises, operating independently and obtaining added value through the synergy of combined functions
• a completely new entity, offering completely new products and completely new functions.
The article comes from the magazine “Logistyka” 6/2004.