New Wholesale Distribution Technology Research by Pembroke Consulting Available from Progressive Distributor Magazine

PHILADELPHIA -- Pembroke Consulting and Progressive Distributor magazine today announced the results of a comprehensive new technology study that provides insights into the expectations and future technology plans of companies in the industrial distribution industry.

The new report, titled "Technology in Industrial Distribution 2006," includes detailed spending forecasts and usage data on 25 technology applications, including barcode scanning technologies, Internet storefronts, voice-over-Internet protocol (VOIP), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), and four different wireless applications. The research was based on responses from senior executives at hundreds of industrial distribution companies.

"Industrial distribution executives plan to invest most heavily in technologies that improve productivity, enhance existing service offerings, and meet new demands for customer self-service." said Pembroke Consulting President Adam J. Fein, Ph.D., the study's author. "Most distributors expect to either increase or maintain their spending in 2005. Sixty percent of distributors cite satisfaction with current technology as the most common reason for not spending more."

The following five technologies will have the greatest absolute increase in usage by industrial distributors over the next 18 months:

• Online storefronts (+48%)
• Wireless Remote Network Access for Laptops/PDAs (+47%)
• Wireless Email to PDA or Cell Phone (+45%)
• Barcode Scanning Technologies (+44%)
• Content and Product Catalog Management (+37%)

To order this report, please visit https://secureindg.pfpub.com/pembroke or call Progressive Distributor at 1-800-932-7732 ext. 235. This report is sponsored by SAP (www.sap.com) and Integrated Systems Technology, Inc. (www.istserve.com).

Pembroke Consulting helps senior executives from wholesale distribution, manufacturing and B2B technology companies build and sustain market leadership. To learn more about the firm and its services visit www.PembrokeConsulting.com. 

Progressive Distributor magazine provides ideas to help industrial and contractor supply distributors better manage their businesses and improve their marketing, sales and service levels to meet increased customer demands. Visit www.progressivedistributor.com for more information about our publication.

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