Schaeffler Group USA Inc. · USA

 
 
 
 
E-Business

Strategy

Marketplaces versus individual solutions

In the past, INA and FAG offered their own systems as e-sales solutions for sales partners with INAConnect and the FAG Online Shop respectively. For the first time, the entire sales process could be performed electronically and the status of orders could be tracked at any time – from the product inquiry to the callup of supplier information all the way down to the filling of the order. Many other companies also offered their sales partners similar tailor-made sales systems that resulted in a large number of individual solutions all incorporating links to differing standards and processes.

 
Individual solution: (1) seller, (2) buyer
 
solution with marketplace: (1) seller, (2) buyer
 
  

Internet (e-)markeplaces
To streamline the interests of suppliers and sales partners, the creation of Internet (e-) marketplaces can be a good tool. Seller and buyer register in the marketplace and are linked with each other on one platform. There are many advantages to this. For instance, they don’t have to concern themselves with issues like technology, data security, search functions, different catalogs, etc. E-marketplaces optimize all components of the ordering process with the option of automatic documentation. That saves on administration costs.

The Schaeffler Group made a conscious decision to be active on vertical marketplaces. In contrast to horizontal marketplaces, in which products and services are offered by companies from different industries, vertical marketplaces represent platforms for particular industries. The requirements of the rolling bearing industry are the focus, and the marketplace performance is a benefit for all participants.