How to drive value to customers thru the use of e-commerce represents the central theme of the book. This text outlines how companies enable E-commerce through out their organization. Each aspect of the typical business organization, purchasing, engineering, planning and scheduling, marketing and sales are examined chapter by chapter in order to create a model for transforming the traditional business to E-Business. The authors appear to be targeting mid-level managers in medium size organizations who, from the author's perspective, are computer illiterate. Their analysis is outdated and does not represent the current state of supply chain commerce

The text was outdated even as it was published. Not only have Fortune 500 companies systems in place that the author represents as the future enhancement, but hospitals, schools and government agencies surpassed the frame of reference for this book by at least five years. E-commerce does offer opportunities to the companies that can seize right moment, product, or service that can exploit the juncture. Continued advancement in the software packages will only enhance the use of this media. But, be cautious, a company wishing to pursue e-commerce needs to establish goals and objectives and not simply use trial and error as these authors suggest.

Use this book as generic resource. The premise of the books intent still represents the current evolution of e-commerce. I believe e-business simply achieved Poirier's and Bauer's future expectations before they could publish this book

The authors touch on current supply chain issues that are quite relevant in the new e-world.

Charles C. Poirier and Michael J. Bauer assert that the future of the American company will resemble an Internet version of the Japanese Keiretsu, interlocked firms within firms. This new value chain constellation - which shares buying, selling and customer information in real time - will offer advantages and services that no single company could ever hope to match working solo. We from getAbstract predict that this will become a necessary textbook for any CEO or CPO who wants to maximize profits via supply chain optimization.