value added

Although the relocation trend has slightly decreased during the last five years, nowadays more companies plan to shift abroad in the near future. In particular small- and medium-sized companies plan the relocation of parts of their value chain. The disadvantage of the German location can only be compensated by a combination of cost optimization and an increase of productivity. A systematic procedure and the application of sophisticated evaluation tools support the company in its process of decision making. Considering the type of business, guidelines for competitive value chain management can be developed.

Nowadays, logistics is seen as a strategic management instrument in order to gain and sustain competitive advantages. New information and communication technologies have substantially changed the way value chains are designed and managed. The research center InterVal analyses internet technologies in the context of supply chain collaboration. One focus is on the evaluation of appropriate management concepts and related investments in technologies.