Well-conceived, state-of-the-art information and operating systems:

A are valuable tools for remodeling a company's value chain, providing important data and information to empowered employees, and simplifying the task of adopting best practices.

B are among a company's most important means for controlling costs and executing strategy in a profitable manner.

C are management's single most powerful tool for correctly implementing and executing new strategic initiatives.

D are essential because a company's performance of all value chain activities must be tracked and reported to senior managers in real time.

E not only enable better strategy execution but also strengthen organizational capabilities (sometimes enough to provide a competitive edge over rivals).