Purchase orders, invoices, shipping documents, even project specs are sent from buyer to supplier and vice versa through Prime Advantage's system, which automatically translates the data into the format each participant needs. A data-mapping process, usually involving no more than a one-day site visit, prepares Prime Advantage to pass data back and forth between participants' widely varied systems (including ERP, MRP, accounting, and others) with nary a glitch, according to president Louise O'Sullivan.

At first, admits Catanzano, she was skeptical, and tested the system by simply ordering MRO supplies. "If a box of pencils doesn't arrive in time, it doesn't shut my plant down." She held her breath when she placed her first order for stainless steel, but, she says, "the order showed up in full on the day I requested. I'm a true believer now." Indeed, in just a year's time, Catanzano has moved 45 percent of the company's $5 million in annual spending to participating suppliers, and that number will grow, she says, as more suppliers join the club.

"The technology side isn't what's driving our ability to work with more suppliers," explains Catanzano. "The technology side just allows us to streamline our purchasing process with those suppliers." —T.R

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