Dealers--Changing Distribution Models

All of the burden for keeping up with technology need not be on the distributor/ dealer, however. The manufacturer has a vested interest in the training of its re-sellers, and often will be involved in training programs.

Blurred Vision
In a perfect world, Brehm notes, a logical supply chain can be drawn from a product's manufacturer to its end user: manufacturer to distributor to dealer to end user. "But as we all know, ours is not a perfect world," he says. Through factors such as industry consolidation and adjustments in business focus, Brehm notes, some companies are blurring the lines between manufacturing, distribution and dealership.