In an effort to further develop technology that will help fastener distributors succeed, distribution software provider Prophet 21 formed an advisory council consisting of top executives in the fastener industry. The Prophet 21 Fastener Advisory Council will meet with Prophet 21 management four times a year to discuss industry trends and business processes.

According to executive vice president Doug Levin, it's important for Prophet 21 to get feedback from its customers on where the industry is heading so that Prophet 21 can better serve those customers.

In addition to the Fastener Advisory Council, Prophet 21 works with six other councils, covering the tile, electrical, industrial, medical, plumbing/HVAC, and fluid power industries. Executives serve approximately two years on a council and drive the direction of Prophet 21 products and services, according to Levin. The Fastener Advisory council arose out of Prophet 21's recent acquisition of Faspac Systems, which had an existing fastener industry council.

The Fastener Advisory Council is off to a strong start, said Levin. Don Nowak, vice president of North Carolina–based Falcon Metal Corp., attended the council's recent kick-off meeting at Prophet 21 headquarters in Yardley, Pa.

"The open dialog with Prophet 21 management is excellent," Nowak said. "Bringing us together to discuss what technology can help us accomplish is a win-win situation."