With the timeline for economic recovery still uncertain, distributors and manufacturers are still looking for ways to cut costs, according to RSM McGladrey’s fourth annual Manufacturing and Wholesale Distribution National Survey. But those cuts may be coming at a cost, particularly as they relate to information technology (IT).

Of the more than 920 executives responding to the survey, almost 90% reported that IT is a critical component of their business operations." At the same time, about half said they are holding off on upgrading systems or enhancing programs already in place to keep costs down.

In the press release about the result, RSM McGladrey wrote: "This type of short-term action may prevent companies from realizing the benefits IT systems can offer."
Cutting costs …