posted 09-04-2013 01:59 PM ET (US)        

--supply chain philosophy

--customer service

--sales representation

--delivery

--profitability (i.e., for dealers selling the product)

--numbering system and UPC coding

--product

--warranty

--marketing program

--packaging

--shipping

--invoicing

--artwork

--point-of-purchase packaging.

Perhaps of all those categories, the product category is most important for boaters.

Blue Sea Systems was also given a second award for best all-around packaging and a third award for supply chain standards efficiency.