Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
Eterno Minerals of the World (Eterno) develops and installs concrete floors. Translated from Italian, ‘Eterno’ means “always constant and eternal.” The company’s goal is to continuously improve the quality, durability, and production process of its floors. In addition, an Eterno floor has a long—almost endless—lifespan. Eterno floors incorporate minerals from all over the world in every possible color and size. This ensures that the result is always unique.
Eterno places great value on collaboration. Knowledge is constantly shared with approximately ten regular partners. Through this innovative approach, Eterno is able to meet market demand faster and more effectively.
Why collaborate with partners?
The development of the new process drew on the expertise and commitment of our partners. These partners must trust one another.
Through this structure, we ensure that the cost structure among the market participants remains balanced, without one party being able to dominate the others. Furthermore, this approach keeps the risk manageable and allows the partners to focus on their core business.
Vertical Collaboration Among Partners in the Supply Chain
A vertical strategic alliance can be defined as a long-term collaboration between companies linked to one another in the supply chain. The aim is to generate greater value and/or achieve lower costs than would be possible in a transactional relationship. This form of collaboration goes far beyond annual contracts or framework agreements in which the supplier accepts a lower price in exchange for a larger sales volume. In a vertical strategic alliance, the connections between suppliers and customers are long-term, broad, deep, and unique.
The Added Value of Vertical Strategic Alliances
The potential added value of vertical strategic alliances can be summarized as the three Ks: Cost, Knowledge, and Quality.
Knowledge Sharing
Knowledge sharing is essential, as is thinking beyond the boundaries of one’s own business domain. This shortens the development time for new products, improves product performance, and reduces total costs. Knowledge sharing, therefore, serves as the foundation for innovation and quality. In both cases, greater value is created for the benefit of the end user. Sharing knowledge about components generates new insights into the overall process and the final product in terms of quality and functionality for the end user.
