Avnet Receives InfoWorld 100 Award for Fifth Time in Six Years

Avnet deploys inventory management system to improve its inventory procurement, material management, forecast and delivery processes

PHOENIX -- Global technology distributor Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT) today announced that its inventory management project was recognized with an InfoWorld 100 award. This marks the fifth time in six years that Avnet has been named to the InfoWorld 100. The annual awards honor information technology (IT) projects from companies that exemplify intelligent, creative uses of technology to meet business and technical objectives. To be considered for the award, projects must use multiple technologies in innovative ways to serve well-defined business goals.

“As a distributor, Avnet considers effective inventory management to be at the heart of our business,” said Steve Phillips, chief information officer at Avnet. “Avnet believed that its IT systems could create a significant business advantage around inventory management. Our new system now enables us to better anticipate the ever-changing needs of our suppliers and customers. This consistent recognition from InfoWorld highlights Avnet’s investment in IT projects that positively impact our business.”

InfoWorld selected Avnet for this prestigious award based on the company’s new inventory management system. Designed for Avnet’s enterprise technology distribution business in North America, the new system leverages Avnet’s service-oriented architecture (SOA) to orchestrate supply and demand data. This new system provides Avnet with greater insight into how much product to purchase, account manufacturing schedules, new product releases and volume purchasing opportunities. It also helps Avnet improve its customer order fill rate and reduce its inventory-related expenses.

Additional details on the InfoWorld 100 can be found at http://www.infoworld.com/archives/t.jsp?N=s&V=116977.

About InfoWorld Media Group
InfoWorld Media Group helps Senior IT Decision Makers choose the right technology, within the context of a cohesive strategy, for business impact at their organizations. Rather than merely covering the enterprise technology market, InfoWorld identifies and promotes emerging technology segments that add unique value for the organizations that implement them, as well as the vendors that provide those solutions. Using an integrated communications approach including online, events, research, and a continued investment in an independent Test Center, InfoWorld analysts and editors provide both hands-on analysis and evaluation, as well as expert commentary on issues surrounding emerging technologies and products. Visit InfoWorld at http://www.infoworld.com.

About International Data Group
International Data Group (IDG) is the world’s leading technology media, events, and research company. IDG’s online network includes more than 450 web sites spanning business technology, consumer technology, digital entertainment and video games worldwide. IDG also publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers. Media brands are in more than 90 countries and include CIO, CSO, Computerworld, GamePro, InfoWorld/TechWorld/TecChannel, Macworld, Network World, and PC World. The company’s lead-generation service, IDG Connect, matches technology companies with an audience of engaged, high-quality IT professionals, influencers, and decision makers.

IDG is a leading producer of more than 750 technology-related events including Macworld Conference & Expo, OpenSource World, E3, DEMO, Storage Networking World, and IDC Directions. IDC, a subsidiary of IDG, is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events. Over 1000 IDC analysts in more than 100 countries provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends.

Additional information about IDG, a privately held company, is available at http://www.idg.com.


Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT), a Fortune 500 company, is one of the largest distributors of electronic components, computer products and embedded technology serving customers in more than 70 countries worldwide. Avnet accelerates its partners’ success by connecting the world’s leading technology suppliers with a broad base of more than 100,000 customers and by providing cost-effective, value-added services and solutions. For the fiscal year ended June 28, 2008, Avnet generated revenue of $17.95 billion. For more information, visit www.avnet.com.

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