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Rating: 
Summary: Theoretical framework
Review: Conceptually the book is at its best in analyzing the dynamics of futuristic Supply Chains. It introduces the concept of Adaptive Business Networks that consist of several firms collaborating with each other as a virtual entity, facilitated by a coordinating partner. Each firm adjusts itself in real time to the market information, thereby winning together as a team of collaborating partners as opposed to achieving sub-optimal individual goals. The information flows from the Customer in a pre-determined manner, triggering business decisions based on uniform business processes and common technological platforms. The lead firm also retains the ability to add and drop partners depending on market forces and performance of the partners. There is no limit to the size of the network either. The partners also enjoy synergies by sharing common services - financial, consulting, legal for example. This is undoubtedly a dream of all supply chain managers. But then reality and dreams need to be bridged. This is where is book is lacking. The issues that are not very convincingly answered are: - How do participating firms, so diverse on their current technology platforms and business processes achieve the near standardization that is essential for such networks? Even in large multinational corporations running standard ERP software across several continents this is not yet achieved. - Firms may have to participate in several networks simultaneously, and at times where the coordinating partners are fierce competitors in the same market. There would be conflicting interests where information sharing is not easy. - Legal restrictions and protectionist walls across countries continue to prevail despite the rhetoric of globalization. An ideal network should first ensure a level playing ground for all players across this planet. - CEO's today are afflicted by "Quarteritis". Missing numbers this quarter in the "larger interest" of their network may not appeal to most of them in the absence of substantial benefits accruing in the immediate future. - Framework for collaboration between major software vendors to provide building blocks necessary for such a network. Recommended reading to understand some interesting concepts that may be of help in designing supply chain solutions.
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Summary: Real World Assessment of Business Today
Review: There are a lot of business books out there espousing the latest management fads and panceas. Having spent 15 years consulting with many US and multi-national manufacturers, this book does a great job of clearly depicting today's problems. I think this book spoke plainly about those problems and solutions in way that many executives don't want to hear. There was no sugar coating in this book; either companies must come to grips with their antequated operating and management structures or they'll cease to exist. Pretty simple. And when you consider it for a moment, the are lot of companies that seem to be taking the latter path not the former (think United Airlines; Kmart; Ford; GM). I think the adaptive business network is a great concept that deserves further consideration. It is interesting that the writer comes from a software/technology company, especially since this isn't a techie book. Maybe SAP is on to something big if they have the technology to help an adaptive business network run.
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Summary: If you don't read any other biz books this year... read this
Review: This book fills the great gap between too much theory/no real-life examples and detailed case studies on a specific company. It really gets to grips with what it means to adapt, to make your whole business operation flexible enough to meet all challenges of todays environment. More than anything, it highlights why companies MUST adapt, why the old rules of business don't apply anymore. Also real interesting that this is written by an exec of a software firm without plugging that company's products - it is objective and focused, detailed without being techie. An all round excellent book.
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