The Value of IT

IT is not a separate part of the organization, but an integral part of the distributor value proposition.  

Distributors have long been investors in differentiating technologies, especially in the supply chain and in particular, in the warehouse.  What has become abundantly clear, however, is that IT is no viewed as an essential component of a distributor's business--an enabler of the company's growth strategies, a tool to help capitalize on the complexity of the uncertain economy, an accelerator of core business processes, and a weapon of competitive advantage.  

Distributors must craft and IT strategy that positions them for the future (managing complexity, reducing costs, and enabling growth) and is aligned with their business strategy.  IT is not a separate part of the organization, but an integral part of the distributor value proposition.  

ACTION POINT: Strong leadership, business knowledge, and innovation must be hallmarks of the distributor IT function, positioning the company as not just "easy to do business with," but the preferred solution provider and business partner.