Cisco gave top priority to order fulfillment and project management to achieve on-time delivery to customers.

Third party logistics providers were plugged into Cisco's database via the Internet. As a result, Cisco could, at any time provide customers with information regarding the status of their order.

Direct fulfillment led to a reduction in inventories, labor costs and shipping expenses. Through direct fulfillment, Cisco saved $ 12 million annually.

Cisco's Internet linked supply chain network enabled the automatic testing of products from any of its locations worldwide.