An On-line Infrastructure for a New Global Organisation

This article describes how a product configuration system may be used to facilitate the creation of a global business infrastructure. Product configuration systems specifically and information management systems generally are shown to underpin post-merger business process re-engineering. They are critical during integration of regional businesses into a single global organisation. The post-merger integration of three former competitors into a single organisation is described. The key role of product configuration systems in realising synergies within the merged organisation is studied. The post-merger business restructuring is also reviewed. The mechanism by which this transformed the organisation’s new product development process is analysed. The article concludes with a consideration of the implications of this technology for managers within the wider organisation.