TABLE OF CONTENTS 
Integrated supply chain management is still unrealized because effective collaboration has not been realized. The implementer needs to collaborate internally with functional departments and externally with customers and suppliers. As with any other function, collaboration requires knowledge and planning. Effective collaboration requires commitment to the cause. The three strategic focus areas for logistics Collaboration are:
Teamwork
Strategic Sourcing
Project Management
These three areas will be discussed in this chapter.
Truism: A company's success depends on teamwork. Functional silos are an out-of-date premise. Knowledge sharing and internal and external collaboration are necessities for survival.
It is troubling to see how little we understand the concept of teamwork, especially since most of us grew up playing or watching team sports. Although there are many definitions, teamwork essentially consists of a group of individuals, each with unique talents, working toward a common goal. Teamwork is a powerful force. The synergy that results from the melding of ideas and experience can often raise a company above its competition.
Too often, turf building and power brokering replace teamwork. Building teams and encouraging teamwork are difficult, but successful people understand that the payoff is worthwhile. A team that works well together can survive and even thrive when members have conflicting ideas. Distinctive and sometimes conflicting ideas create a positive force; remember that two (or more) heads are better than one. In creative teams, members are allowed to use their individual talents and are valued for their uniqueness.
For example, a typical...
