New DREF report examines electronic commerce
By Industrial Distribution Staff -- Industrial Distribution, 6/1/1999
Washington, D.C.--Manufacturers and distributors interested in the significance of electronic commerce will want to read the latest report from the Distribution Research & Education Foundation, called "Electronic Commerce for Distribution Channels."The report -- researched and written by distribution consultants Bruce Merrifield, of Merrifield Consulting Group, and Steve Epner, of BSW Consulting -- explores the new opportunities involved in electronic data interchange, continuous replenishment systems, and interactive business-to-business Internet commerce.
"The book fully discusses why the use of technology in the distribution channel is finally poised for explosive growth," says Merrifield.
The report discusses possible paths distributors of all sizes and their trading partners might take to make use of current and soon-to-come developments in software and hardware. It also explores a wide variety of potential competitive scenarios made possible by new technologies.
Electronic commerce has "already started to deconstruct some distribution channels," the authors write. "Supply chain efficiency is being replaced by the creation of end-user dictated 'integrated, customized, value chains.' If wholesaler-distributors cannot replace traditional product and seller-centric practices with total-value buyer-centric solutions, then third-party competitors are already in place that can oblige channel end users. If alliances between manufacturer and wholesaler-distributors cannot switch to everyday low cost/everyday low price collaborative relationships that are then automated for continuous replenishment, then alternative channel partnerships will do it."
Noting that "every 50 days is another Web year," the authors have set up a support site at www.ec4distributors.com to update the content of the printed report by featuring electronic commerce news, periodic articles or columns, listings of third-party vendors and discussion forums on various topics.
DREF is the research arm of The National Assn. of Wholesaler-Distributors. Copies of the report can be ordered online from NAW's Web site, www.nawpubs.org.
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