IT opportunities, Trade-offs and Costs III

These actions are appropriately viewed as strategic and differentiating. 

A large number of distributors are either in the midst of, or actively considering, significant investments in their IT infrastructure--focusing on capturing next-generation benefits such as process and asset optimization (not just automation), and accelerating top-line growth.

This is evidenced by distributors strong interest in ERP implementations and upgrades; planned upgrades to warehouse management systems (WMS), customer relationship management (CRM) systems and numerous announced upgrades to e-commerce websites.  These actions are appropriately viewed as strategic and differentiating. 

ACTION POINT:  Advance the role of IT beyond cost reductions and operating efficiencies.