Broadband Boom

Chapter Four in Facing the Forces of Change®: Lead the Way in the Supply Chain argues that wholesaler-distributors must fully embrace the Internet in their business operations now that it is a normal part of everyday life in the United States. The newest data make it harder than ever to believe “my customers are different.”

The latest survey by the Pew Internet & American Life Project found 47% of adults – 103 million people – have high-speed internet connections at home as of early March 2007, up five percentage points from a year earlier. You can download the full report for free: Home Broadband Adoption 2007.

The chart on the right shows the time trend from the Pew data over the past 8 years.

I like to go online during my presentations and show the reality of today’s Internet to distribution and manufacturing executives. Online Customer Communities are especially eye-opening. Here is a sample of active forums mentioned in Exhibit 4-6 of Lead the Way in the Supply Chain:

• Contractor Talk -- All trade contractors (electrical, plumbing, etc.)


• Tractor by Net -- Farm and construction equipment users


• Lawnsite -- Lawn care and landscaping professionals


• WeldTalk -- Users of Hobart welding products
  
• JLC Online -- Lumber and drywall contractors


• Maintenance Forums -- Industrial facilities maintenance professionals

If you are new reader to the Distribution Trends blog, check out the posts under the topic Connected Customers. How can any wholesale distribution executive seriously ignore the impact of information transparency on their business?