The objective of the F.W. Webb program was to make people aware of just how powerful a tool an industry database can be. It was designed by the professional team at Webb, led by Jack Hester and the company's IT guru, Larry Mohr, to be company-specific. Yet it was but one example of the kinds of initiatives being undertaken around the country, and not just by large distributors. Wholesalers of all sizes are beginning to understand the potential that exists through the use of bar coding, EDI, VMI and all the other processes that are within their reach. The missing link? A common, standard database of product information that resides in one place, and which is constantly being updated by vendors. Distributors can access it 24/7, and turn to it for electronic pricing updates, product information, weights and measures, and all the other attributes that feed their operations.