Defining Collaboration

2 comments October 4th, 2006 David Bush - Iasta

The article ‘True’ Collaboration: It’s in the Eye of the Beholder in a recent issue of Global Logistics & Supply Chain Strategies, even though directed at the supply chain in general, is quite true of sourcing efforts as well.

Some describe automated communication between partners as collaboration, even if the information being exchanged is purely transactional. Others believe that true collaboration should include such elements as mutually agreed upon business objectives and performance metrics as well as enterprise-spanning processes. A few say the word “collaboration” doesn’t reflect what is happening in the marketplace and ought to be thrown out altogether.

A recent survey by Capgemini, Georgia Southern University and the University of Tennessee defined ‘true collaboration’ as comprising real-time data sharing with key customers and suppliers, alignment of people and organizations, and alignment of processes and practices and found that less than 10% of 2,300 respondents were capable thereof.

I think they’ve all missed the point. Simply put, collaboration occurs when two or more parties collaborate. According to the American Heritage dictionary, the definition of collaborate is to work together, especially in a joint intellectual effort. Everyone seems to be focused on the technology, but technology is not the problem. Technology can be an enabler, but collaboration begins with a willingness to work together on shared issues and happens when both parties use whatever means necessary. You don’t need a system configured for real time worldwide data synchronization with push-based alerts whenever a deviation is detected - a homemade batch script that extracts and pushes summary reports through email on a daily basis will often do the job nicely if the fundamental desire is there to collaborate or work together. Moreover, the presence of a real-time system, even though it can greatly facilitate the process, doesn’t amount to a hill of beans if both parties are fundamentally unwilling to work together.

The real issues is trust and mutual respect for shared goals and continuous improvement. Then, any decent on-demand web-based solution accessible by all parties will provide the basis for your collaboration efforts.

Entry Filed under: General, Suppliers, Technology / SaaS