IBS addresses threats to paper distributor margins

Sydney, Australia, July 7, 2010 – International Business Systems (STO: IBS B), the leading application supplier for wholesale and distribution, today announced a free, highly practically oriented online webinar to assist CEOs, COOs, CFOs and Senior Managers in the paper and packaging industry improve business margins. Two separate 30-minute webinars will be hosted on Thursday 15 July 2010 at 11 AM and 2.00pm AEST.

Part of the popular IBS Insights series, "Protect & Increase Your Margins – The 6 Common Mistakes Paper Distributors Must Avoid" is an exclusive, easy to follow online seminar (no travel required, participate from your desktop) tailored for CEOs, COOs and CFOs. Keynote speaker Ian Leach, a paper and packaging industry specialist from IBS Australia, will show webinar participants how to identify and eradicate critical margin killers that are siphoning away profits.

“The paper and packaging industry is going through one of the most challenging periods in its history,” said presenter Ian Leach. ”The industry generated more than $1 billion in export earnings in 2009 and imported nearly $3.5 billion in goods. However, since 2005-06 the number of paper and packaging businesses in Australia has fallen proportionately by an average annual rate of around 2.9 per cent while exports have declined by 3.10% and domestic demand has fallen by 1.2%.”

He said that unrelenting impacts from the digital revolution and continuing global economic volatility were further impacting on industry declines adding to the dangers and opportunities to maintain margins.

“The Industry lives and dies on gross margins,” says Leach. “Margins can be eaten away by different and often hidden causes: a sales department too eager to do anything for a sale, a logistics management out of place in the modern era.” “Within every paper, paper, packaging and office supplier there are at least six margin killers eating away profits. We know where they hide, and we can help executives to identify how to eliminate them.” The webinar will cover:

     * Shrinking market driving industry consolidation

       * Development of new distribution channels 

     * Need to retain profitability on reduced margins

       * Increased customer demand for new products/services 

     * Increased product ranges 

     * Need for improved and cost-effective logistics 

’Protect & Increase Your Margins – The 6 Common Mistakes Paper Distributors Must Avoid’ will also provide strategies to:

     * Reduce costs of transactions 

     * Be more flexible when it comes to pricing and service 

     * Take advantage of technology to rethink your approach to logistics 

     * Improve margin control through added value products 

     * Increase overall profit 

     * Have greater control and visibility across the entire business

  To reserve your attendance or for more information, visit:

http://www.ibs.net/en/resources/events/executive-industry-insights-paper-packaging-officesupplies

Alternatively, +61 1300 882 467 email info@ibsaustralia.com

About IBS

With over 30 years of experience, IBS is a leading provider of distribution management solutions. IBS focuses on industries such as automotive, electrical components, paper & packaging and pharmaceutical distribution. More than 4,000 customers across some 40 countries use IBS software to gain fast and measurable returns on IT investments. IBS B share is listed on NASDAQ OMX First North Exchange Stockholm. For more information, please visit www.ibs.net

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Grahame Cox at +61 2 9377 1105 or email: grahame.cox@bitecommunications.com