E-Commerce Placement, Security, and Fulfillment

E-Commerce Placement, Security, And Fulfillment

The introduction of e-commerce has helped to redefine how businesses operate, how they are set up, and subsequently how they interact with consumers. The rise of e-commerce has forced manufacturers to reconsider how they operate. Companies must consider placement, security, and fulfillment when implementing new commercial strategies.

Several methods of distribution and placement can be employed to deliver goods and services from manufacturer to consumer. The ability to market products via e-commerce allows for the globalization of a good or service. The placement of brick and mortar stores relies heavily on the economic health of an area, as well as the potential for market growth in a geographical location. Unlike brick and mortar stores, product availability is not an issue when purchasing from an e-business. Because brick and mortar stores can only sell the inventory they have on hand, purchasing goods and services directly from the manufacturer allows the consumer to purchase directly from the inventory they have in stock at the warehouse, or manufacturing plant. Purchasing goods and services through the product website also provides access to goods and services not available in the brick and mortar stores.

The advent of e-commerce has also raised awareness of web security and many e-business must take extreme care and implement security. Traditionally, network security focused on keeping "intruders" out through the use of firewalls, selective access can be achieved through authorization and authentication processes in web applications. In order to avoid having to code security features into every application, role-based access control infrastructure software can be implemented. The implementation of these role-based access control software allows for facilitated "deployment of new applications, [cuts] in maintenance costs, and [gives] organizations a consistent security policy" ("E-business Security Issues," 2007). In addition to this software implementation, the use of monitoring technology will allow a company to consolidate information from their various security sensors and codes and provide a "single image of potential intrusions for effective incident response" ("E-business Security Issues," 2007). The implementation of these software programs is especially important as e-commerce expands to include access from mobile devices.

Purchasing products via brick and mortar stores allow the consumer to test out hardware in store, as well as do a side-by-side comparison of accessories and other products available in the store. The most efficient method of distribution is the direct channel of distribution. Direct purchasing affords the consumer access to trial versions of software and allows them to shop from the comfort of their home, 24/7. Also, the purchase of a product is not dependent on store availability. Another benefit of direct distribution is the ability to purchase a product and have it shipped to any destination. Oft times, e-stores will promote products only available online or in-stores.