Ford Implementation of Virtual Integration: A Push Pull Strategy.

Introduction
With the implementation of Ford’s restructuring plan, Ford 2000, the company has set forth goals to compete with the expansion of foreign-based auto manufacturers globally. The goal of Ford 2000 is to continue to improve quality and reduce cycle times by finding ways to improve processes involving all stakeholders within the supply chain and the company itself.
The key to achieving this goal lies in the ability to take advantage of the Ford Company’s size and global presence to invest in information technology. This can be accomplished by using its intelligence resources to renegotiate the way it does business with suppliers, including partial integration of the “virtual integration model”, such as Dell Corporation uses. However, this report is also based on the recognition that customization of the model is needed to make it an effective strategy for Ford.
Summary of Facts
The Customer: Ford Investment Enterprise Company (FIECo) continues its goal to make improvements through dealerships by providing face-to-face interaction with customers while creating and maintaining retail processes and distribution channels to streamline company competitors and refocus dealership goals of providing excellent customer service. Ford’s website enjoys more than 1 million visits on a daily basis.
Ford has the opportunity to both reach out to the customer and provide an experience customized to the preferences of that customer. Ford needs to be able to provide a high level of quality treatment both at the dealership and with on strong online web-presence that provides customization and pricing features for potential buyers to ensure high-quality customer satisfaction throughout the production process.
The Compan...

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