Letter to the Editor

By Industrial Distribution Staff -- Industrial Distribution, 10/1/1999

I just finished reading Sara Procknow's article [Uncovering the Power of Portals, August 1999]. It provides great insight for a market where looking to cut out anything but core competencies is becoming the norm. Portals are also becoming the "new channel" for increased sales and revenue for highly competitive industries.

I work for a small but growing consulting firm. I am involved in supply chain consulting and have an emphasis on transportation and distribution. I also wanted to tell you about something I read recently and your article sparked my memory of it.

About a month ago, I read in USA Today that portal traffic was down significantly for the month and the quarter. It stated that it was a short trend and then looked at reasons why it could continue or change. I haven't seen any more news on it since, but I still think that it is an untapped resource if utilized correctly.

I also found your article especially thought provoking on the subject of Amazon outsourcing their fulfillment to a major distributor. The e-companies have definitely not cracked the code on Internet speed logistics yet and in the age of partnerships, this may be a competitive advantage. The first one to reduce their costs will be the big winner in my mind.

I enjoyed reading your article.

Regards,

Ed Sobieray

The Avicon Group