The continued evolution of technology allows for business efficiencies unattainable a few years ago. This technology is not only applicable to transactions but to communication as well. VNA wants to have the opportunity to focus on technology programs for its customers as it relates to MRO initiatives. Points to consider include but are not limited to:

• A goal of complete ordering and communication integration that progressively builds outward from piloting key locations and commodities to full property implementation
• Implementation processes to transition from current to proposed processes and technologies

VNA has selected NxTrend Technology Inc. as our technology provider for both e-commerce and ERP systems. NxTrend is a leading supplier of enterprise-wide software solutions for supply-chain management. NxTrend's products offer a single-source solution for information systems that are designed to enable the distributor to implement best-business practices for inventory management, order processing, sales, customer service, warehouse logistics, and strategic business analysis. NxTrend has an installed base of over 1,000 customers that span the electrical, building materials, industrial, plumbing/heating/air conditioning, paper, and medical industries.

The benefits derived from employing standard solutions are improved efficiency of operation, increased profitability, enhanced customer service, and investment protection keeping VNA and their customers at the forefront of business software solutions.

VNA's selection of Nxtrend brings extensive technology to our customers in rapid fashion. We choose Nxtrend based on their successful demonstration and vast amount of customer references. We felt it was necessary to ramp up technology quickly with a field proven solution versus making the mistake of trying to create our own “custom built” solution. Leveraging existing ERP, Web Sales and e-commerce/procurement connectivity, VNA will quickly deploy required customer connectivity while utilizing vendor resources to allow for our steady growth.

With the help of Nxtrend, VNA has the following capabilities to offer our customers.

Some of our capabilities will include but not be limited to:

• A robust set of applications and databases to perform the business rules and typical functions in a distribution environment
• A central database and control center for the creation of our private distribution e-community (called a “private trading exchange” or PTX)
• Standardized ERP processes and databases, regardless of the many disparate and legacy systems our members run
• The ability to collaborate and communicate with our e-community and react to meet customer's expectations
• A proactive approach to addressing exceptions and repetitive issues - using an event manager, VNA monitors specific processes, measure against user-defined criteria and initiate alerts and/or actions
• Inventory alignment among all the partners in our community
• Access key information about all the members in our supply chain at the touch of a key