In follow-up to last year's "Supplier Excellence Criteria" project, the VMD commissioned a study featuring three case studies highlighting teams of wholesalers and manufacturers who have worked together and successfully implemented technology for mutual benefit.

A booklet containing the case studies and "Excellence Criteria" worksheets was introduced at the ASA Convention in Toronto last month. The worksheets are intended to be used by manufacturers and others wishing to compare their own company's performance in five key areas of operation.

The three case studies featured in the booklet are:

• American Standard and Consolidated Supply Co. of Oregon - "Get Quick, Get Smart With eBIZ Extranet"

• NIBCO Inc. and Winholesale -- "VMI: The Sure Cure for Industry's Auction Mentality" and

• Hercules Chemical Co. and Ridgewood Corp. -- "EDI: The No-Excuses Tool for Saving Time and Money"

ASA members were mailed the booklet earlier this month. Additional copies are available from ASA.