Computer Economics E-Business Needs Index Shows Manufacturing Requires the Most Work

Business Wire, Oct 15, 1998

CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 15, 1998--In a study of several industries' use of supply chain management systems and systems to help manage accounts receivables, Computer Economics found that the manufacturing industry has the greatest overall need for enterprise e-business solutions. -0

               Supply Chain and Receivables Management:
              E-Business Needs Index (scale is 0 to 100)

Industry Sector
Durable Manufacturing          89.8
Electrical & Electronic        97.3
Fabricated Metal               90.9
Machinery                      96.2
Motor Vehicles & Equipment     57.4
Nondurable Manufacturing       73.5
Retail Food Stores             29.7
Retail General Merchandise     92.7
Rubber & Misc                  86.9
Wholesale Durable              85.4
Wholesale Nondurable           56.9

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"We expect software vendors and systems integrators to market to the manufacturing sector very heavily during the next few years," said Computer Economics' Director of Research and Advisory Services Michael Erbschloe. "Momentum in automating the supply chain is rapidly increasing as more companies move forward on end-to-end enterprise solutions."

Computer Economics is an independent research firm specializing in helping IT decision makers plan, manage, and control IT costs through advisory services, analyst support, an innovative Web site, and printed reports. Based in Carlsbad, Calif., Computer Economics serves 82% of the Fortune 500. For further information, please visit the Web site at http://www.computereconomics.com.