Distributors and their partners in the supply chain are about three years into a revolution that will change the way companies do business.

Distributors and their partners in the supply chain are about three years into a 10-year business revolution that will fundamentally change the way companies do business with each other, according to a report by the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors' Distribution Research and Education Foundation. The report, "Electronic Commerce for Distribution Channels," expected to be released in early June, was written by industry experts Bruce Merrifield of the Merrifield Consulting Group and Steve Epner of BSW Consulting.

The report offers case studies, interviews and clear explanations of why EDI-based continuous replenishment programs have so far failed to deliver on much of their promise but will soon deliver huge breakthroughs in lower costs and added value. It also discusses interactive Web commerce and explains how the Internet will enable firms of all sizes to invent new channel roles.