Few would argue that technology has had - and will continue to have - enormous impact on the way business is done. But the expanded use of technology and increased reliance on integrated-supply does not represent a threat to distributors, said Gail Zank, assistant professor in the industrial distribution program at Texas A&M. Nor does she believe that technology ultimately will cause other channels to bypass distributors.
Zank cited the results of a study sponsored by the American Supply and Machinery Manufacturers Association and the Industrial Distribution Association and conducted by the research team at Texas A&M.