Technology Investment As a Competitive Weapon

Although Gap's implementation is aimed at enhancing core-business processes, it also underscores the growing importance of technology investment as a strategic competitive weapon, even in the current slack business environment. Gap's success could illustrate the flaws in ignoring the benefits of technology.

"Gap's leadership team feels that technology can be leveraged in this industry for a tremendous competitive advantage," Harris says. "We've clearly staked out ground at the Gap. And we think that we are going to be well-positioned to leverage technology to the maximum to be competitive."

Choosing the right partnerships will also prove a critical element for success. "I'm not sure any internal IT organization for a company that has apparel retailing as its primary objective can go it alone anymore," Harris says. "Certainly not if it's not a technology-based company. We are not that, and we don't aspire to be that."

Part 1: A New Fit For the Gap

Part 2: Pulling Off the Plan

Part 3: The Changing CIO Role

Part 4: Double-Phase Implementation