mix of more than 200 components allows for 600,000 possible configu-
rations. Moreover, the Your:)Ware program aims to solve customers’
needs like financing, Internet access, and trade-ins. The company out-
sources actual delivery of the products to United Parcel Service.
The company’s inputs include industry-standard components to
minimize stock-outs and to assure low direct-material costs.
The company has three core competencies: customer contact (before,
during, and after the sale), assembly, and supplier network orchestra-
tion.
An overarching driver of Gateway’s value chain activities is its build-
to-order model. It allows Gateway to create shareholder ...