Yes folks, technology is here to stay, whether you like it or not. Through ASA's Center for Advancing Technology, a variety of answers and resources can be found to help you through the maze of EDI, databases, catalogs and dotcoms. ASA dedicates a considerable amount of resources to fund the Center, and believes that our industry can continue to prosper by embracing technology that is available right now.

Of particular note is the new IndustryDataBase (IDB) project now underway. When complete, it'll provide one resource for all manufacturers' product data, downloadable by wholesalers into their computer systems. More info can be found at

www. asaidb.com.