The secret is out: Industrial distribution is an attractive business to be in—and to cater to. Private equity investors aren't the only ones taking an interest in the sector; it seems as if software providers roll out new products aimed at distributors every week. Here are a few recent offerings designed for distribution:

Infor developed a new module for its SCM Warehouse Management product, Labor Forecasting, designed to help distributors predict, plan and control their warehouse workforce. Using the application's embedded analytics capabilities, the module lets warehouse managers predict the number of workers needed to fulfill and deliver orders and adjust their planning on the fly.

Like other Infor products, the self-contained labor management component lets users add new capabilities incrementally, without requiring a complete upgrade of the software. It's also compatible with other companies' applications. For more information, visit www.infor.com.

Glacier Computer's Glacier Commander allows users to access forklift-mounted computers from their office PC. The product monitors system activity in the forklift computer and offers the ability to program function buttons, set optional screen-blanking parameters and view detailed reporting on processor temperature and voltage readings. It also provides data on reboots, run time and system crashes and has a remote on/off feature. For more information, visit www.glaciercomputer.com.

Accellos Inc. launched a new suite of integrated supply chain software for small to mid-sized businesses, featuring warehouse, logistics, transportation, mobile and business intelligence applications.

Built on Microsoft's Sharepoint Server 2007, the Web-based Accellos One suite consists of several modules, including warehouse management, analytics capabilities and an application that provides remote access to the system. The suite is compatible with ERP solutions from providers including Microsoft, SAP, Sage and Infor. For more information, visit www.accellos.com.

NetSuite Inc. released a new suite of its ERP, CRM and e-commerce platforms aimed at medium-sized wholesaler/distributors.

The release includes advanced inventory and order fulfillment and demand-based inventory replenishment features, as well as a “transaction forms assistant,” a “matrix item assistant,” vendor returns monitoring and customer portals. It's designed to give mid-market players access to the same technology larger distributors use at an affordable price. For more information, visit www.netsuite.com.

Seeburger Inc.'s Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) adapter for its suite of EDI solutions encrypts all data during customers' EDI ordering sessions. Unlike FTP or FTP/S-based systems, which offer little or no encryption, the SFTP protocol protects usernames, passwords and data files. Compatible with SAP's NetWeaver Exchange platform, the adapter complies with the FIPS 140-2 standard, meaning it can be used by the U.S. Department of Defense, other federal agencies and their contractors. For more information, visit www.seeburger.com.

If you've got a technological solution to a distribution problem, INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION wants to know about it. E-mail brad.perriello@reedbusiness.com or call him at (781) 734-8234.