e-Thematic Thematic Network on e-Fulfilment Jacob Bangsgaard International Cooperation Manager ERTICO, Brussels

Defining e-fulfilment e-Fulfilment is in very brief terms the delivery of the product promised by the e-business or “e-Fulfilment defines that part of e-business which aims at efficiently and effectively integrating a company’s back-office processes, activities and functions arising from order capture through to final delivery to the customer.”

Challenges in e-fulfilment RTD To define research/good practice focused on the obstacles and challenges for fully integrated e-fulfilment applications. Logistics Providing the right product, at the right place at the right time; To distribute small quantities to consumers in their home location; Interaction with traditional transport related bottlenecks.

Benefits from Integrating the supply chain Area Improvement Delivery performance 16-28% Inventory reduction 25-60% Fulfilment cycle time 30-50% Forecast accuracy 25-80% Overall productivity 10-16% Lower supply chain costs 25-50% Fill rates 20-30% Improved capacity realisation 10-20%

Why e-Thematic To support the European industry in optimising business opportunity through improved customer satisfaction; To make recommendations on future research priorities; To promote the networking of stakeholders.

Networking activities The project provides the opportunity to exchange know-how and enhance discussions on innovative solutions among research organisations, e-logistics experts, and policy makers.

Three year activity - started in July 2002. e-Thematic approach Network of international e-logistics stakeholder to define research opportunities for e-fulfilment. Dissemination of finalised/ongoing European and national research activities. Three year activity - started in July 2002.

e-Thematic objectives Clustering of existing European research projects in the field of e-logistics and e-fulfilment; Identification of emerging applications and technologies; Identification of “good practice” examples from the industry and the research sector; Formulation of a common approach for the future European research on e-fulfilment.

Partners Buck Consultants International (Coordinator) ERTICO – ITS Europe Supported by the European Commission

Members Allagraf, UK British International Freight Association, UK European Car Transport Group of Interest, Belgium European Federation of Inland Ports, Belgium ILiM, Poland SCOR Training Center, the Netherlands ShipServ Ltd, UK Thomas Miller & Co Ltd, UK WebHouse, Denmark

B2C e-Fulfilment Order management Home delivery Customer Order capture Financial verification Order management Order release Stock verification Internet-enabled front office Back office

Cluster activities Two Clusters have been defined till now where the participants exchange information topics related to e-logistics and e-fulfilment. All stakeholders are invited to join this activity to obtain and share information on European good practices and obstacles for an optimal use of e-logistics.

Defined Clusters 2 clusters: B2B and B2C 3 layers per cluster B2B B2C EU/US cooperation Business models Technology applications Emerging technologies Good Practices Business models Technology applications Emerging technologies Applications and technologies Business models Technology applications Emerging technologies Glossary

Work performed in the Clusters Technologies and applications Inventory of the technologies and applications available on the e-logistics market today and the challenges for the future. Good Practice Analysis of ongoing and finalised European research in the field to help setting priorities for future research strategies. EU-US cooperation Analysis of the e-logistic development in the US compared to the European continent.

Dissemination tools Creation of the e-Thematic website www.e-thematic.org

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How can you participate Participate in the clustering activities and/or in the e-Thematic seminars to share your views with other network members and gain valuable insights on the latest developments in the world of e-logistics and e-fulfilment. Use the website to contribute with information and to obtain knowledge on activities relevant to you.

“Challenges for e-Fulfilment development in Europe” Future events e-Thematic seminar: “Challenges for e-Fulfilment development in Europe” Hotel Dorint Schweizerhof, Berlin, 2 April 2004

Contact information Project Coordinator Karel Vanroye Buck Consultants International karel.vanroye@bciglobal.com Tel: +32 (0)2 709 77 50 Dissemination Manager Jacob Bangsgaard ERTICO – ITS Europe j.bangsgaard@mail.ertico.com Tel: +32 (0)2 400 07 00