integration the generated the type of competitive advantage envisioned at the alliance's initial design, such as increased productivity of rapid response to customer orders, could be achieved only through extensive information sharing. The questions to be addressed concern the level of systems capability, data collection, analysis, performance measurement, and training that was necessary to enable the information to be shared in a timely and accurate manner.
Integration capability also needs to be evaluated if the alliance involves a number of partner plants, warehouses, and/or stores that operate under different conditions, capabilities, or competitive requirements. This is especially important for firms that operate multiple warehouses and/or store locations. A key concern in this situation is the ability for internal units to utilize common operating practices and compatible information systems. The flexibility to adapt to meet specific market-based requirements is important to longterm viability