In implementing a strategy or attempting to create a competitive advantage, it is important that strategies are adopted within the various organizational functions that are consistent with and support the overall business strategy.

Overall (Leadership)

• Through leadership through example, build a company-wide commitment to customer responsiveness

Production/Operations

• Achieve customization by implementing flexible production
• Achieve rapid response through flexible production

Marketing

• Know the customer
• Communicate customer feedback to appropriate functions

Logistics

• Develop logistics systems capable of responding quickly to unanticipated customer demands (JIT)

R&D

• Bring customers into the product development process

Information Systems

• Use web-based IS to increase customer responsiveness

Human Resources

• Develop training programs that get employees to think like customers