Technology optimizes channel bonds

摘要

It wasn't that long ago when technology was going to replace distribution relationships in the supply chain. Specifically, the Internet was going to render many of the services provided by the channel obsolete. Instead, the Internet has become one of the many tools suppliers, distributors and customers use to optimize their complex relationships.rnEven though the Internet has enabled self-service for designers and buyers, customers are not bypassing the channel in favor of managing their own supply chains. Distributors are able to pull together the offerings of hundreds of suppliers and aggregate them into one place. Engineers, procurement professionals and planners use distribution Internet sites for component research; price; performance parameters; part substitutions and environmental compliance status, etc., and then, if appropriate, enter into relationships that require a higher level of technology integration.