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B2c And B2b Supply Chains

B2C and B2B Supply Chains
Electronic Commerce (e-Commerce) is made up of two different types of business models; Business to Consumer (B2C) and Business to Business (B2B). Along with the fact that the ultimate customer is different for each type of e-Commerce, the supply chain for each is very different as well. In general, the goal of any business is to provide a good or service for their customer in exchange for a sum of money. Depending on whom the customer is the supply chain will need to be tailored to meet the needs of the business. The following will examine how the supply chain differs on a B2C site compared to a B2B site.
In a B2C site, the goal is to create an atmosphere that will cause the consumer to want to shop and spend money. The consumer is ultimately looking for convenience while also placing huge demands on a retailer's fulfillment capabilities. Fulfillment is one of the major challenges of B2C e-Commerce. During Christmas time in 1999, Toys "R" Us ran into a colossal issue with fulfillment when they were unable to deliver some Christmas orders on time. Since then, companies have spent billions to improve their logistical systems in order to guarantee on-time delivery. Although instant customer gratification is not easy, successful B2C sites are finding that these annoyances can be soothed with increased focus and investment in supply chain and logistical technologies. A typical B2C supply chain is comprised of a supplier, manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, and buyer. This supply chain is applied to many aspects of the site including acquisition of direct supplies, indirect supplies and the abilities of the site to fulfill consumer demands. The B2C e-Commerce supply chain can almost be viewed as negotiation free. That makes it easier for retailers to put a catalog online. Once the product line is determined, the consumer only has the option of choosing from what is available. Successful B2C sites will both...

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