MDM recently spoke with Tony Pericle, author of Transforming Data into Action: Using Analytics for Better Distributor Sales Decisions, published by the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors. Pericle has worked in the distribution industry since the early 1990s.

In Part 1 of this interview, Pericle talks about why distributors are interested in doing more with analytics and how tapping someone to oversee the effort can pay big dividends. He also provides his perspective on the role the IT department should play in enabling the better use of data.

MDM: Distributors are increasingly interested in using the data they have in their systems better. What do you think is driving the growing demand for business analytics?

Tony Pericle: Today’s $2,000 desktop is 200 times more powerful than the $20 million mainframe of 20 years ago. That’s significant because what can be done with one person in three minutes...