AWMA distributors were encouraged during yesterday’s session to participate in the organization’s new InfoMetrics program that is designed to help them profit from their own distribution data, both in terms of revenue for its use and by leverage it to improve their own operations.

Photo Caption: Summit participants heard about the new AWMA InfoMetrics program from Viv Penninti, president and CEO of InfoRhythm. 

Viv Penninti, President and CEO, InfoRhythm, explained the new program, developed specifically for AWMA distributors, that will allow them to share in revenues through the sale of their data, consolidated with that from other companies and “de-identified,” to suppliers and other entities interested in its use.

Penninti also explained how distributors can take advantage of that consolidated industry data to benchmark themselves and improve their own operations, and he pointed out that new industry data standards and access to GTNS will be provided to participants.

The program, he said, will also result in increased options for customer and vendor support.

Cost for most distributors to convert their systems in order to participate is expected to be between $3,000 and $4,000, he said.

“I have one question to those companies that have not yet signed up,” said Jon Burklund, Burklund Distributors, Inc., incoming AWMA Chairman. “What are you waiting for? It’s not about the data –it’s about how we leverage the data in behalf of our customers and consumers.”