IBM aims to practice what it preaches. The company’s early support of fully automated processes–such as order management, service requests and OEM manufacturing work orders–has served to improve customer satisfaction and operational efficiencies. And over the years the company has remained committed to continuous improvement through the intelligent application of new technologies, becoming a model for a fully automated enterprise using the most advanced supply chain solutions and practices.IBM defines the next level of business process efficiency as an on-demand model: “An enterprise whose business processes can respond with speed to any customer demand, market opportunity or external threat.” This model requires seamless end-to-end business process integration of internal IBM systems while extending into key partners, suppliers and customers.THE CHALLENGEWith one of the largest and most complex supply chains in the world, IBM spends $41 billion annually on orders for more than two billion component parts a year, working with 33,000 suppliers and 45,000 business partners.”IBM has long focused on creating and building an integrated, end-to-end supply chain,” says Kevin O’Connell, IBM’s director of manufacturing and procurement processes. “Now we wanted to bump it up to new levels of collaboration. To achieve our on-demand goals, we needed to extend integration of business processes across a multi-tiered supply chain and into customer and partner systems as well.”IBM realized that their in-house supply chain system was not sustainable. With their legacy system, IBM relied on suppliers’ and partners’ reports and management systems for visibility into its own supply chain. Sourcing compliance by Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) providers for IBM core suppliers was nothing close to real time. Instead, IBM operated in a reactionary mode, relying on EMS self-reporting and supplier end-of-quarter information.After extended analysis, IBM determined that it needed an industry-standard supply chain management solution that allowed for synchronization of demand and supply and visibility into Tier 2 and 3 suppliers and contract manufacturers, for all IBM global manufacturing sites and divisions. The solution had to be flexible and robust enough to support changing customer demand scenarios with proactive supply/demand planning.THE SOLUTIONIBM turned to E2open to provide two customer-proven supply chain management solutions:* E2open Demand / Supply Synchronization Solution: Enables IBM to sense and respond rapidly to demand and supply changes–quickly flagging imbalances and potential shortages. These capabilities allow IBM to reach its goal of building an integrated end-to-end supply chain that responds to demand and supply changes rapidly and accurately.* E2open Multi-tier Visibility Solution: Provides Tier 1, 2 and 3 suppliers with consolidated visibility into forecasts, commits, aggregate order quantities and inventory positions–so each tier of the supply chain can track supply chain execution and respond quickly to imbalances, errors and shortages. The scope and depth of this visibility is critical to high levels of supply assurance.Working seamlessly together, the E2open supply chain management solutions provide IBM and suppliers with a consolidated view of customer demand, available supply and any imbalances. They allow IBM to proactively manage demand / supply execution, inventory and replenishment across IBM’s global supply chain by providing a more accurate view of supply positions. Through use of the information aggregated by the E2open solution, every supplier tier has the business data they need to make effective supply chain decisions.THE RESULTSThe solution currently extends across 37 manufacturing facilities and 10 replenishment (VMI) service centers, representing more than 85 percent of IBM’s annual manufacturing procurement expenditures. It provides both IBM and Tiers 1, 2 and 3 suppliers a consolidated view of demand and available supply.With the E2open solution, IBM is able to proactively manage demand / supply execution, inventory and replenishment across its global supply chain, and is able to incrementally scale the solution as more supply chain partners come on board through acquisitions and expansions.IBM achieved very fast time-to-value with rapid integration and deployment across global sites and tiers of suppliers, lowered total cost of ownership, streamlined operations, and increased responsiveness and flexibility within their supply chain. IBM estimates a 50 percent savings on deployment and operations costs over its existing solution and alternative approaches. Business benefits include:* Reduced supply / demand planning time from 45+ days to 10 days* Increased pull replenishment levels to 85 percent* Improved outbound on-time delivery rates to 90 to 95 percent* Improved inventory turns more than 42 percent* Achieved time to benefit of less than nine monthsThese solutions helped IBM in its quest to build a highly responsive supply chain that can meet changes in customer demand rapidly and efficiently.ABOUT E2openE2open is the leading provider of supply chain management software-as-a-service for visibility and control over global supply networks. Industry leaders that power their supply chain with E2open include Agere, The Boeing Company, Hitachi, IBM, LG Electronics, Matsushita Electric Industrial (Panasonic), Motorola, Seagate Technology, Solectron and Wistron. E2open’s software-as-a-service model offers faster payback, larger ROI and reduced risk while requiring less IT and business resources. Over 15,000 companies worldwide currently use E2open. Headquartered in Redwood City, Calif., E2open is a privately held company.For additional information on how E2open can assist you in gaining visibility and control over your complex supply chain, please visit our website at www.e2open.com or contact us at 650.381.3737.Copyright 2007 E2open, Inc. All rights reserved.

Crypto currency vs. Fiat currency

Are you aware of the fiat currencies and the crypto currencies? They both are currencies in one form or the other and are open for public use across the world. But they are both different and distinct in their own ways. There is always one group that favors the use of cryptos, while the other has a soft corner for the fiat currencies.

In cashless society- crypto money play a huge role

If you have a look at the market of the 1970s and 1980s, you will find that the cash played the dominant role. But, with the change in the technology, electronic transactions have become the usual norm. Today, more and more people are influenced in becoming the cashless society. With the progress towards the cashless society, cryptocurrencies have a big role to play.

Crypto currency and fiat currency are always at loggerheads

Cryptocurrency and fiat currency are popular types of digital currency, especially when it is about an online transaction. They both are currencies currently in use in the market but have some differences in them. There is a hell lot of hypes that you will hear on a daily basis comparing the crypto money and the fiat money. This article will highlight the difference between the two in a more comprehensive and clear manner.

Differentiating in what the currencies stand for

Before going for the difference between the two, you must understand what do they stand for and how are they are defined.

The fiat currency is a legal tender that has the support of the central government, and it operates in the physical form. For instance, US dollars, British Pounds, Euro etc. On the other hand, the crypto currency is a non-legal tender, and doesn’t have any backup from the central government or bank.
Hence, the difference between crypto currency and fiat currency is noted as follows:

• Crypto-currencies are decentralized and global in nature. There are no one entity or government that controls the currency with their laws and regulations. The Fiat currency is centralized, under the control of the laws and regulations of the banks and government.

• Crypto-currencies have their existence only in the digital domain. On the other hand, you will find that the fiat currencies have a tangible and physical existence.

• There is a limited supply of crypto-currencies with a maximum set of them getting supplied in the market. Whereas, the fiat money has an unlimited supply as the government and bank are entitled to produce coins and paper money whenever the situation is required.

• The Bitcoin and other crypto type currencies are created by the computers, while the fiat currencies are issued by the local government and the banks.

• Cryptocurrencies are presented as the public and private code pieces. On the other hand, the fiat currencies are presented in the form of coins and paper money.

• The value of the crypto currencies is not recognized by the supply and demand of the market. Whereas, the fiat currency value is determined by the market regulations of supply and demand.

The different types of crypto and fiat currencies

In the last one decade, the popularity of crypto type currencies has emerged as a huge success. It was in 2009, when Bitcoin was first introduced, and years after several other types of crypto currencies have emerged. Starting from Litecoin. Dogecoin, Ripple to the Dcash and Zcash, there is a plethora of them. On the other hand, the fiat currency has a rich and ancient roots, with the Great British Pound, that dates back to 775 AD. It is considered as the oldest currency in the world that is still in use.

The differences in the anonymity between the two currencies

When you are using the fiat currencies, you need to undergo a user identification or verification process. You are asked to upload a recent picture of yourself and some of the required documents to be issued as per the public authorities. You don’t need to undergo any of the required processes with the crypto currencies. Though your personal information and confidential details don’t get public, but all your transactions are recorded and tracked in both the fiat and the crypto currencies.

Fiat currency vs crypto currency: transparency level

• The transparency level with the crypto type currencies are considered to be more. This is because the revenue streams are displayed in a public chain. Everyone can witness their own and others’ transactions.

• The fiat or govt. currencies are not transparent, as there are not public chains to see the revenue streams of the people.

A comparative historical roots

If you compare the crypto money with that of its counterpart, fiat or government currency, you will find that their existence and creation brings the difference. The Fiat or government currency, dates back its existence as early as 775 AD with the introduction of the Great British Pound. This is why fiat type currency is easily accepted by the people all over.

On the other hand, the crypto coin was perhaps first introduced only a decade ago, with the introduction of Bitcoin in 2009. The challenge that the Bitcoin and other crypto currencies face is catching up with the immense popularity and increasing fan base of the fiat currency. Crypto currency, is no doubt gaining importance and popularity in the economic market, but it has still not been accepted widely in the society as the fiat currency.

A comparative history of the two currencies:

• It was in the 11th century, when the Chinese Song dynasty was perhaps the first one to issue the paper money. It was not allowed to exchange with valuables like gold and silver or silk.

• There were Tally sticks that were introduced as a fiat or government currency. 1100 Tally sticks were introduced as a combat for the shortages in gold.

• 1971, was the year, when the fiat currency received a worldwide recognition. President Nixon introduced it in order to eliminate the dollar pegging system to gold.

• It was in 1998, when the idea of an anonymous electronic cash system emerged by Wei Dai. Bitgold-the very first crypto currency was created by Nick Szabo, but it didn’t receive as much attention as Bitcoin.

• In 2009, Bitcoin was introduced in the market, that became the first crypto currency that was accepted across the globe. In 2011 and after, a series of several other crypto currencies were introduced. Some of the popular ones include, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Zcash, Dash and so on.

The traits of both the currencies

The potential of the crypto type currencies and fiat currencies, accessing their traits is important. You will find that in some of the criteria, Bitcoin and other crypto currency is superior than the fiat or government currency, and in some cases, the latter surpasses. It is absolutely your call to choose the type of currency (crypto type currency or fiat type currency) based on your personal needs and requirements.

Let us compare their traits with respect to certain factors.

• Both the crypto coins and fiat type currencies are interchangeable in nature.

• As per the portability is concerned both the currencies secure more or less the same position.

• With respect to the non consumable criteria, crypto currency and fiat type currency have the equal status.

• Crypto type currencies have high durability as compared to the fiat-currencies that have moderate level of durability.

• Both the crypto or virtual currencies and the fiat or government currencies ensure secure and safeguarded transactions and exchange.

• Crypto or digital currencies are highly divisible in nature. On the other hand, the fiat type currencies are moderately divisible.

• In terms of the transaction process, the crypto currencies are easy and hassle free. Whereas, on the other hand, the traction process associated with the fiat currencies are easy, but not like the cryptos.

• The crypto based currencies are decentralized and global in nature, unlike the fiat currencies that are centralized and functions under the laws and regulations of the government.

• The crypto based currencies have high scarcity, where as, the fiat currencies are unlimited as the government can issue coins and paper money whenever there is a need.

• The crypto based currencies are based on mathematical algorithms, and are programmable. The fiat currencies are not at all programmable.

• The fiat currencies are sovereign in nature, while the crypto currencies are not.

The process of the functioning of the currencies

You can find the significant differences between the crypto or digital currencies and the fiat currencies with the way they both operate and the transaction process that take place. They are contrasting in nature. The transfer of money using the Bitcoin is very quick, and you absolutely don’t need any third party association.

On the other hand, if you are involved with the money exchange using Fiat type currency, a mobile wallet is in use. You can exchange an amount of e-money that gets transferred into the equal e-value amount. Both the fiat and the crypto currencies enable you to purchase everything that you desire. But the processes involved are absolutely distinct from each other.

Depending on the things you purchase, you will find that one currency form is better than the other. This is absolutely your choice.

Is Bitcoin, a crypto currency better than the fiat-currency?

The long term benefits and the capability of the Bitcoins is still not established. But it has been predicted by the crypto currency gurus and experts, that they will go a long way, especially revolutionizing the way the online transactions are done. In the current market, the Bitcoin is mainly included in the online casinos and the gambling, but it is not limited to it.

Furthermore, when you compare the fiat currencies, the Bitcoin allows you to seize the power and authority from the banks and the government since it is not controlled. The cryptography based currency has the capability to create or come up with the free market capitals. Fiat currencies are affected by the inflation and the changes in the market, unlike the crypto based currencies. Such aspects make individuals believe that cryptograph based currencies will soon take over the mainstream currencies and bring a transformation in the way the money is used.

Why is Bitcoins considered to be a better aspect than the fiat type currencies?

• Bitcoin gives you the opportunity to re-create a free market capitalism.

• The power of controlling the money is absolutely with the individuals, and not with the banks like the fiat type currencies.

• When there is an inflation, the Bitcoin is not affected. But the Fiat type currency will be easier to lose and get affected by it.

• The Bitcoin currency is easy easier to exchange and transfer as compared to the fiat or government currencies.

• The transaction fees involved with the Bitcoin are way cheaper and easily affordable.

Crypto currencies seem to be a favorable option among the people

The fiat type currencies are the centralized and legal way of exchanging money. But, the crypto currencies have acquired immense popularity in the past few years. There will never be anyone who would act as a middle man, like the case with the banks. Moreover, the cryptos are way cheaper and less expensive that the conventional fiat currencies.

Send money anywhere directly without waiting for the bank’s approval

You can send money to anyone in the world directly, and it is super fast. The money gets cleared within a few minutes time. You don’t have to wait for the traditional clearing and verification processes of the banking systems, which might take up to several days to get a clearance. Since it is decentralized and doesn’t come under the law and regulations of the government, nobody has any power to do anything with your account.

The blockchain technology has a very big role to play

Thanks to the crypto currencies, that gives us the power and the authority to become our very own bank, and take control over our finances. It is because of the blockchain technology that offers a higher level of sophistication while dealing with the finances. In fact, there are some mainstream financial industries that have started incorporating the idea of the technology.

What do you do if you want to learn driving a car? You will try to find an expert teacher, isn’t it? You do not want to avail the services of a novice individual to help you out, but a professional person can provide you the vital tips and most importantly guide you efficiently. Similarly, when it comes to investing in the stock market for the first time, you require a knowledgeable advice to attain your financial goals and get profitable returns.

If you are a beginner, then it is quite obvious that you may be having no information about the process of buying the right shares in the market. In such a situation, getting the right tips from an experienced financial advisor or a registered advisory company will truly prove to be a great blessing in disguise. However, there are some of the important things that have to be kept in mind while choosing the top stock market advisory company, which are as follows:

How much assistance do you actually require?

Before you make up your mind to hire an advisor, it is imperative that you must first decide about the kind of service you require from them. You may need their help at the beginning or during the time of any issues. This is because an advisor has to formulate a map according to your requirements. Hence, it is suggested to ascertain your needs first and then take further action.

Choose a top ranked advisory company

It is a very important point that has to be taken into the consideration. Availing services of the well known advisory company or a financial advisor is an absolute necessity. Make it a point to carry out a proper background or research work about the company. Check out their credentials, reputation, experience, etc before hiring them.

Asking for a sample financial plan initially makes sense

When hiring a financial advisor, then do not forget to ask for sample plan first. It is imperative to note that there is no such thing called the perfect plan. A sample plan will help you to determine whether an advisory company is actually making sense according your requirements or not.

Conclusion

The financial planners or advisory companies can really turn out to be the greatest asset for you if you choose the best one. They are just like the professional sailors who can help you out to sail through stock investment related problems quite efficiently.

Deepak is a financial advisor who likes to provide quality tips to the people facing any issues with regard to investing in the stock market. He likes to keep himself updated about the stock market by reading articles, news and blogs, etc.