Over the past 10 years, Cisco Systems has drastically reduced its number of suppliers and aligned itself more closely with its remaining suppliers for each of its product-based teams. How might this have helped Cisco improve its new-offering realization process?
Answer: By reducing the number of suppliers it uses, Cisco is able to work more closely with its few remaining suppliers, involving them in new-product development and tapping their expertise in improving overall product quality and supplier relationship.