Dutch ingredients company DSM embraced new technology this week when it announced the completion of the first transactions through its new online store, part of an e-business development plan launched by the company in August this year.
The transactions involved a European distribution partner "e-ordering" from DSM Coating Resins through a web browser interface. The Asera e-ordering technology used for the purpose enables the transaction data to be fed directly into DSM's internal back-end systems.
"Online ordering, online order status review and online technical support are valuable new services that we offer to customers," says Bernard van Schaik, director of the DSM Coating Resins business group. "Through the addition of this channel, we give them a new choice of working with us and customers can obtain easier access to our broad range of products."
DSM aims that by 2003 a significant percentage of its activities will be conducted and supported through web-enabled tools. The integration platform is designed for both selling and buying and will also support internal processes. The first phase of the project covers the basic infrastructure and the selling side, offering DSM customers the possibility to perform a full range of commercial activities such as online ordering and automatic transmission of transactions.
"In setting up an overall e-business infrastructure we are building upon experience gained in many e-business pilots over the past eighteen months, including our successful participation in the e-marketplaces Omnexus and Elemica," said Ton Geurts, Program Manager DSM eBusiness Sell Side.
"Some of our units currently handle up to 15 per c of their sales through online channels, but once the DSM e-business platform is in place DSM will really be able to reap the benefits of doing business online with both customers and suppliers."