Business Strategy

Thesis

How can IS improve the current business processes of Ford Atlantic Fasteners?

Five Forces Analysis

    The bargaining power of buyers for Ford Atlantic Fasteners is high as they have a wide range of products to choose from and a number of different suppliers who offer similar products. Customers have many options when it comes to finding the best possible deals on fasteners, hardware, and related components. Customers have the ability to compare prices and quality between suppliers, which allows them to make the most informed decision when purchasing. Additionally, many customers are able to negotiate better deals and discounts when ordering in bulk.
    The threat of substitutions is low as Ford Atlantic Fasteners is a leading supplier of fasteners, fixtures, and other essential components for industrial applications. They have been in business for over 25 years, and is the go-to supplier for many large and small businesses in the industry. Their commitment to quality, customer service, and innovation has made them one of the top suppliers in the industry. Ford Atlantic Fasteners carries a wide range of products, including nuts, bolts, screws, rivets, and pins. They also offer custom solutions to meet the specific needs of their customers. The company also utilizes advanced technology to ensure that their products meet the highest standards of quality. Ford Atlantic Fasteners also maintains a strong commitment to the environment and implements sustainable practices in the production of its products. The threat of substitution of Ford Atlantic Fasteners products is low, with its sophisticated engineering and quality control processes. Ford Atlantic Fasteners offers reliable, cost-effective, and long lasting fasteners and components that are essential in a wide variety of industries.

    The bargaining power of suppliers is high due to the fact that the company has a large customer base and a long history of successful partnerships with suppliers. In addition, the company has a wide range of products and a large inventory, which allows them to make quick delivery of products to customers. Moreover, Ford Atlantic Fasteners also has a strict quality control system in place, which ensures that only the best quality products are delivered to customers. This helps them maintain their strong bargaining power over suppliers. Moreover, Ford Atlantic Fasteners has a strong research and development team that is constantly working to develop new and better products for their customers. This helps them to stay ahead of their competitors and to maintain their competitive edge in the industry.
    Threat of new entrants is low as Ford Atlantic Fasteners is known for their superior customer service, fast delivery, and competitive prices. They have a wide customer base all over the world, and the threat of new entrants into their market is low. They have a strong customer base and have been in the industry for over 40 years, making them a trusted and established provider of fastening solutions. They have also invested in their own research and development to ensure their products remain state-of-the-art and remain competitive in the market. Ford Atlantic Fasteners continues to strive for excellence and customer satisfaction, and their commitment to quality and excellence is why customers continue to trust and rely on them.
    Rivalry is high as they are a company that understands the importance of staying ahead of the competition. Their commitment to quality and customer service, as well as their commitment to environmental responsibility, have enabled them to create a strong brand and maintain a competitive edge. In a highly competitive market, Ford Atlantic Fasteners has been able to remain a leader in the industry, providing customers with high-quality fasteners at a low cost.

Competitive Strategy

Operational Information Systems Used -

    The primary system used by Ford Atlantic Fasteners is Netsuite, an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Netsuite provides a comprehensive suite of business applications, including accounting, customer relationship management (CRM), and e-commerce. It also provides real-time visibility into operations, allowing Ford Atlantic Fasteners to track inventory, manage orders, and analyze customer data. 

    In addition to Netsuite, Ford Atlantic Fasteners also uses Microsoft Office for a variety of tasks, such as creating documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Microsoft Office is also integrated with Netsuite, allowing for seamless data transfer between the two systems. This integration allows Ford Atlantic Fasteners to quickly and accurately track customer orders, analyze customer data, and provide timely customer service. The combination of Netsuite and Microsoft Office provides Ford Atlantic Fasteners with the tools they need to efficiently and effectively manage their operations.

Customer Information Systems Used -

The Ford Atlantic Fasteners Customer Information System (CIS) is a comprehensive solution designed to streamline customer information management and enhance communication within the organization. The CIS encompasses various tools and platforms, including Outlook for email communication, phone systems, and a Sales/Marketing Information System (IS) that incorporates the company's website.

Outlook (Email Communication) -

Outlook is a popular email client used by Ford Atlantic Fasteners to facilitate internal and external communication. As part of the CIS, Outlook allows employees to efficiently manage their email correspondence, schedule meetings, and collaborate with colleagues. Key features of Outlook include email management, calendar and scheduling, and contacts/address book. Outlook enables employees to send, receive, and organize emails effectively. It supports features like folders, filters, and search capabilities, allowing users to sort and locate messages efficiently. Outlook's calendar feature, enabling employees to schedule appointments, meetings, and events. This feature also supports shared calendars, which promote collaboration and coordination among team members. Finally, Outlook serves as a centralized repository for storing and managing contact information. It allows employees to maintain an organized address book, making it easier to access and communicate with customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.

Phones - 

The CIS at Ford Atlantic Fasteners includes a phone system that enables seamless communication within the organization. The phone system offers several features and benefits. Employees can use the phone system to make calls to colleagues within the organization. This facilitates quick and direct communication, enhancing teamwork and collaboration. Also, the phone system allows employees to make calls to customers, suppliers, and other external parties. It ensures reliable and professional communication with stakeholders, helping to build and maintain strong relationships.

Sales/Marketing IS -

The Sales/Marketing IS within the CIS focuses on leveraging technology to drive sales and marketing efforts. The key component of this system is the company website, which serves as a vital platform for customer engagement and lead generation. Key features and functions of the Sales/Marketing IS includes the company website as well as customer relationship management (CRM). Ford Atlantic Fasteners' website serves as a digital storefront, providing information about the company's products, services, and value proposition. The website is designed to be visually appealing, user-friendly, and optimized for search engines to enhance online visibility. The Sales/Marketing IS integrates with a CRM system, which helps manage customer interactions, track leads, and analyze sales data. The CRM system ensures that customer information is captured and utilized effectively, facilitating personalized communication and targeted marketing campaigns.