Moving from Supply Chain Management Maturity Stage III to Stage IV, by James B. Ayers

Nurture Supply Chain Collaboration
Description:	Implement upstream and downstream collaboration.
Success Defined:	Mutually beneficial improvements implemented. Jointly developed business rules established with partners. Process metrics exceed past levels.
Client Participation:	Company forms single supply chain organization.
New Capabilities:	Ability to complete multicompany projects established.
CGR Role:	Be an “honest broker.” Identify other parties for implementation.
Consequences of Inaction:	Company looses advantages for new product development, deploying product and process technology, cost reduction, and reaching customers.
Preparation for Stage V:	Initial lower levels of collaboration like data exchange (Stage IV) lead to advanced forms (Stage V).


James B. Ayers Principal	Moving from SCM Maturity Stage III to Stage IV

Present Stage: III. Cost Reduction Next Stage: IV. Collaboration