Business has experienced 3-4% productivity increases annually since 2002. In the 1995 to 2001 period, productivity gains were smaller and primarily due to vast improvements in technology. However, changes due to technology and business philosophy have led to the surge in productivity over the last three years. Key drivers are global competition, deregulation, market channel expansion, and better communications. This has led to streamlining operations (i.e. supply chain, automation, outsourcing) and improvements in service and product throughput.

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