Profitability has become the key focus for distributors over the past 12 months, as top-line sales growth has dropped off due to a severe decline in many end-markets in 2009.

Most respondents to a recent Modern Distribution Management-Activant survey are optimistic and expect individual company profitability to be greater in 2010 versus 2009.

In the survey, respondents also outlined where they would focus in each of four areas to improve profitability in 2010.

To improve processes and personnel productivity, …