Task Two – Business to business electronic commerce - Topic Four

Task Two – Business to business electronic commerce - Topic Four


When studying this topic I was surprised to read that business to business e-commerce activities account for 77 to 85% of all e-commerce (Turban, et al p.253). The availability of secure internet connections has significantly changed the way in which businesses operate.

Reflecting on my own work experiences I know realise that the many of the companies that I have worked for have used business to business models of e-commerce, by using the internet and other means of technology to conduct business.

Using the internet and electronic data interchange has streamlined the process for many of the transactions done in the business banking section in which I currently work. For example businesses can assess their accounts online, apply for loans and new accounts, and lock money away into term accounts without entering a bank branch.

I have had hands on experience of business to business many to many: exchange with the First for Farmers network (F4F). This was a centralised ordering and billing site where all rural produce stores could order their suppliers from a range of suppliers online. This site allowed customers to view availability, up to date prices and view a number of different suppliers’ products and order what they needed from the one location. Its biggest benefit for the consumer was it allowed the customers to order from one central location, streamlining the ordering process. Previously the customer would have to contact each individual company and order from each one. This centralised site was also an efficient way for our company to fill orders as we could contact the F4F Network and improve the supply chain process.

The ability for computers to be networked has been incredibility beneficial for businesses to improve communication and adapt their business model to improve supply chains and meet the needs of their customers. I think one of the biggest benefits of e-commerce is that smaller companies now have the ability to align themselves with large businesses using technology.