Just shy of two decades strong, D/C Expo (www.logistar2.com) continues to feature more than 1,000 different software offerings, systems, and services to supply chain information technology systems.

A slowing economy may have been on the minds of the 2,000 attendees at the show in late May. However, an economic downturn is the ideal time to invest in new information technology, says Tom Ryan, practice leader, supply chain and enterprise integration, eSYNC International (www.exsync.com).

"The first reaction of most companies in an economic slump is to hunker down," Ryan said. "But if you can afford to make the investment, a slowdown is the perfect time to use your staff to focus on business improvements.

"Remember, this is a cycle. If you plan now for when business comes back, you can get a jump on your competition."

Among show attendees, more than half already had approved budgets to buy the kinds of products they saw at the show. And 95% of all attendees expect to complete purchases of new systems within a year.

"Business is slow," said Richard Burgey, director of distribution for Wis-Pak (Watertown, Wisc.), who was on the show floor, "but the urgency for us to find new ways to automate our distribution processes is increasing. This is an opportunity to implement focused solutions that will bring value to our company now."

"It appears that distribution and logistics are still a high priority to business today," says Thomas Dulaney, president of C.S. Report, sponsor of the show.