e-Business
Electronic business can be defined as the conduct of business using the internet or other computer mediated networks to create links within or between companies, their suppliers, customers, employees or governments with the purpose of exchanging information electronically and automating the processing of transactions previously carried out manually.
E-Business methods enable companies to use their data processing systems more efficiently and flexibly and to work more closely with their business partners. The effect in the broadest sense includes significant cost savings along with the environmental benefits of the reduction in usage of paper and elimination of the physical delivery of documents. In addition e-Business improves the quality and timeliness of data exchanges throughout the entire supply chain resulting in enhanced partner relationships.
E-Business may involve any number of business processes within the value chain including electronic purchasing and supply chain management, processing orders, handling customer service, and reporting activity to external authorities.
Key e-Business processes can be broken down into the following sub-categories:
Electronic procurement is the use of the internet or other computer network technology to source (known or unknown) suppliers and order and purchase goods and services electronically. It may include the use of electronic catalogues or price-comparison software to enhance the sourcing and purchasing process.
Electronic invoicing is the automated process of issuing, sending, receiving and processing of invoice and billing data by electronic means generally based upon previously agreed data formats between business partners.
Electronic payments are automated requests for banks (or payment institutions) to send or collect payments on behalf of their customers. These transactions may be carried out by companies uploading information in specified formats to banks either through the internet or by transmitting data files directly to banks or their intermediaries through secured or closed networks.
E-Government is defined as the increased adoption of new technologies by governments to provide better public services to citizens and businesses and meet the demands of the public for less bureaucracy and more efficiency.
