Avnet Ranked No. 13 on InformationWeek 500; Two Projects Recognized for Innovation and Results
PHOENIX -- Avnet Inc. (NYSE:AVT), a leading global distributor of electronic components and computer products, today announced it is ranked No. 13 on the InformationWeek 500 list of the nation's best users of information technology. The company is ranked first in the distribution industry and is one of only two distributors ranked in the top 100.
'The 17th annual InformationWeek 500 celebrates innovation and leading companies who use business technology to build change-embracing cultures, to improve business processes, to increase productivity, to make customers happier and more loyal,' said Stephanie Stahl, editor in chief at InformationWeek.
'Ranking No. 13 on the InformationWeek 500 validates the great work accomplished through the combination of foresight from Avnet's business units and the technical expertise and hard work of the IT organization,' said Steve Phillips, chief information officer at Avnet. 'Working together, we continue to create a strategic competitive advantage for Avnet as well as its customers and partners.'
Avnet was recognized for an order management system developed by its Global Information Solutions (GIS) group that integrates configuration, quoting, lead-tracking and ordering information in a single portal that is available around the clock. Called Request to Order, the system has increased productivity by 20 percent, enticing 75 percent of one business unit's customers to adopt it.
Another GIS project singled out was Avnet's Quote Management System, which automates part of the quoting process, reducing line items sent between sales team members by more than 2.5 million per year in North America. More importantly, on-time delivery jumped from 51 percent to 86 percent, creating a surge in customer satisfaction that exceeded Avnet's standards.
For 17 years, the InformationWeek 500 has tracked the technology practices of America's most innovative companies, documenting their business technology strategies, investments and administrative practices. To participate in the study, Avnet completed a comprehensive qualifying application that detailed management priorities, technology strategies, staffing initiatives and budget plans. The company is highlighted in two articles in the Sept. 19 issue of the technology industry publication -- the articles are titled 'IT Gets Distributors On The Right Road' and 'IT Leaders Find New Ways To Win'.
About Avnet
Avnet enables success from the center of the technology industry, providing cost-effective services and solutions vital to a broad base of more than 100,000 customers and 250 suppliers. The company markets, distributes and adds value to a wide variety of electronic components, enterprise computer products and embedded subsystems. Through its premier market position, Avnet brings a breadth and depth of capabilities that help its trading partners accelerate growth and realize cost efficiencies. Avnet generated more than $10 billion in revenue in fiscal 2004 (year ended July 3, 2004) through sales in 68 countries. Visit www.avnet.com/.
About InformationWeek
InformationWeek helps more than 440,000 business-technology professionals who buy, build, and manage technology drive business innovation powered by technology. In addition to the weekly magazine, InformationWeek provides a platform of information solutions, including InformationWeek.com; InformationWeek Research; InformationWeek Events, which includes the InformationWeek Conference for business technology executives; and the InformationWeek Daily, an e-mail news service. In May 2003, in conjunction with Optimize, InformationWeek launched its Media Network. The Media Network consists of Optimize, Government Enterprise, and Healthcare Enterprise, as well as its Vertical Industry Network publications, Bank Systems and Technology, Insurance and Technology, and Wall Street and Technology. InformationWeek is consistently recognized for its commitment to excellence and innovation, receiving several of the industry's top media accolades, including top spots in Technology Marketing's Influencers Report, BtoB Magazine's annual Media Power 50, as well as awards from ASBPE.
CONTACT: Avnet Inc., Phoenix
Jan Jurcy, 480-643-7642