The Internet, just-in-time operating procedures, and continuous replenishment of inventories have
all contributed to customers expecting rapid processing of their requests, quick delivery, and a high
degree of product availability. According to the Davis Survey of hundreds of companies over the last
decade, world-class competitors have average order cycle times (the time between when an order is
placed and when it is received) of seven to eight days and line item fill rates of 90 percent to 94 percent