Perhaps an even more appealing attribute of responsive supply chains is their potential to uniquely customize products on smaller orders than was typical of traditional build-to-order lot size manufacturing.Direct connectivity with customers via Internet-based customer connectivity is accelerating customization.In most traditional anticipatory distribution systems,the customer is a passive participant.About the only power the customer has in the traditional process is the decision to buy or not buy.Direct connectivity of customers in a responsive process has at least three benefits.First,involvement provides comprehensive search
capabilities that serve to expand the range of sources and choices a customer can consider when selecting a product or service.Second,customers can be better informed about prices and,in some situations,are able to drive price advantage by virtue of bids and/or auctions.Finally,information-intense responsive systems provide innovation such as a customer choice-board wherein customers design or customize their own product configuration.