New study shows alternative paths for distribution industry

US-based National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors and Pembroke Consulting, Inc. have released a new research study showing distribution executives "alternative paths" to the future.

The study, entitled "Facing the Forces of Change:Future Scenarios for Wholesale Distribution" and written and researched by Pembroke Consulting, Inc.’s President Adam J. Fein, Ph.D., a supply chain strategy and marketing channels expert, provides manufacturers, wholesaler-distributors, suppliers, and their customers with insight into shifts in the industry environment through 2006.

Some of the report’s findings show that by 2006:
*Internet ordering to be common but not dominant in the B2B marketplace
*Internet use will vary significantly between the five basic segments of B2B customers
*Customer power in supply chain to grow exponentially
*Large manufacturers to reduce local sourcing
*Changing sales and marketing roles for distributors is a source of uncertainty
*New competitors to challenge the role of distributors in the supply chain

The study is available for purchase at http://www.nawpubs.org and there is a five percent discount for orders placed online.

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors is the Washington, D.C.-based trade association that represents the wholesale distribution industry.