A second key finding is that operational performance,
which affects the customer’s perception of the
quality of the business relationship with the firm, can
best be improved by intensifying the production
information integration with customers and suppliers.
This implies that increased exchanges of information
such as sales forecasts, master production schedules,
and inventory levels should result in better operational
performance. In addition, firms should increase their
collaboration with customers and suppliers regarding
production requirements and move more toward
vendor-managed inventory arrangements.