They fail to follow through with the relational processes that capture benefits over the course of the contract. The ability to extract benefits from supplier relationships is linked to the way these relationships are managed. For example, those relationships characterised by close interactions and successful process integration between buyer and supplier are better able to create, coordinate and protect joint resources for a sustained competitive advantage. Thus, it is not enough for a firm to possess a strategic purchasing orientation, they must also create conditions which allow the buyer and supplier to contribute and develop the relationship. Various supply management practices facilitate this process. Three will now be discussed.