From cost cutting to knowledge-based services: How e-business will enable companies to gain competitive advantage and generate new revenues in the plastics additives industry

摘要

The past months have provided the first real experience feedback from the plastic additives industry using and applying e-business tools in its day-to-day business. The main focus so far has been put on using e-business to cut costs and improve efficiency. Although there is little doubt about the potential benefits of those tools, the question if they will effectively deliver additional growth and a lasting competitive advantage has yet to be answered. Important e-business projects have been initiated by the leading chemical companies. Mainly designed to decrease internal cost and to improve supply chain efficiencies. However, although these projects will have an impact on the internal cost structure, their contribution to acquire new customers and generate new business will remain marginal. For many companies the question today is how the internet and internet related technologies can be used for strengthen the relationships with customers, offering more service, and generating additional revenues. The present paper shall give an overview over the current trends in the field of e-business for plastic additives. Furthermore an outlook is presented about the future potential of e-business in that industry and about the potential of using internet technologies to generate new revenues with knowledge based services.