Escape Retailers is a global retail corporation with a diverse product range, including electronics, apparel, and home goods. The company operates through various physical stores and an online platform, catering to a wide customer base. To optimise its supply chain operations and improve communication with suppliers and customers, Escape Retailers implemented e-business strategies.

Challenge: Escape Retailers faced challenges in managing their complex supply chain efficiently. These challenges include delayed communication with suppliers, manual order processing, inventory management issues, and difficulties in meeting customer demands promptly. They need a solution to streamline their supply chain, improve communication, and enhance customer satisfaction.

Solution: Escape Retailers implemented an integrated e-business approach using e-mail, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), and the Internet to address their challenges and optimise their suppl chain.

Outcome:

The integration of e-mail, EDI, and the Internet significantly improved Escape

Retailers supply chain efficiently.

The implementation of EDI reduced order processing time by 50%, leading to faster

order fulfillment and improved supplier relationships.

Online sales through the e-commerce platform increased by 30%, contributing to higher

revenue and improved customer satisfaction.

Supply chain visibility was enhanced, enabling better decision-making and allowing

the company to adapt swiftly to market demands.

In conclusion, by strategically implementing e-mail, EDI, and the Internet in their e-business model, Escape Retailers achieved enhanced supply chain efficiency, streamed line operations, and improved customer experiences, ultimately contributing to their growth and success in the retail industry.

Required:

a. Define EACH alternative methods (E-mail, EDI, and Internet) of conducting e- business.

b. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

c. What is the control consideration for EDI?