It's time to revisit integrated supply and strategic supply alliances. The MRO Group of NAPM is sponsoring a three-day conference and workshop series in New Orleans on Nov. 14-16.

In the past decade, strategic partnerships have experienced tumultuous change. Why have roughly half of these supposedly tight relationships ended in failure—just a few years after all the work that went into them? How have business alliances been affected by e-business and extensive Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software implementations? Are buyers stranding valuable suppliers? Are proven suppliers lagging behind and losing out? What does research say about future supply partnerships and Internet-driven alliances?

This comprehensive look at the future of supply alliances includes case studies by MRO buyers representing two companies that have received PURCHASING Magazine's Medal of Professional Excellence:

• "How Harley-Davidson Buys" by Albert Keal, director of purchasing operations, powertrain/components and indirect materials, Harley-Davidson Motor Co.
• "John Deere's 'Seven Steps to Success'" by Chris Gleason, supply base manager for MRO corporate, Deere & Co.
• The workshop series includes also these presentations:
• "Supply Management for the Digital Economy" by Rich Weissman.
• "Supplier Partnerships—A Look at the Future" by Robert L. Segal, partner, Frank Lynn & Associates.
• "Purchasing: The New Strategic Profit Center"—a 'how-to' workshop by Tim Underhill, president, Underhill & Associates.

For information, contact Joel L. Thomas, chairman of the MRO Group by e-mail at mrogroup@aol.com or by telephone at (636) 394-8062.