Building competitive advantage through knowledge management and e-commerce in the oscillator manufacturing industry

Abstract

Knowledge Management and e-commerce are functions that support each other. To be successful in one you must also be successful in the other. One of the keys to success in this area is to make the best use of available technology. A prompt jump in capabilities can be executed by using a vendor supplied'software package. In as little as 60-90 days major improvements can be placed into effect to provide very high levels of customer satisfaction that translate'directly into bottom line sales. The old marketing proverb of "know your customer" is very much in effect. The three key success factors for real estate sales of "location, location, location" are also big factors in the oscillator industry. The new model for knowing your customer is to execute a high level of knowledge management within your organization. The location is now on the Internet. If you neglect this medium for knowledge gathering about your customers and knowledge transfer to your customers, you may miss a great opportunity for generating a major competitive advantage in the future.