August 10, 2011 - Modern Distribution Management

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August 10, 2011

Emerging Technologies Series: The Growth of Cloud Computing

Leave a Comment / Technology, Subscriber Only /

This is the first in a series of articles looking at emerging technologies increasingly used by distributors in their businesses. This article looks at cloud computing, which continues to grow in popularity as a way to deliver business processes over the Web.

Full Emerging Technologies Series is available here.

Software as a service (SaaS) is anticipated to grow 20 percent to $12 billion in revenue this year, according to IT research company Gartner.

Yet in an industry with tight margins and a reluctance to invest in new technologies, SaaS, a variation of cloud computing that is the use of Web-based services to support business processes, is viewed with a critical eye among distributors.

But as more companies adopt cloud technology for their business, the service is becoming difficult to ignore.

Emerging Technologies Series: The Growth of Cloud Computing Read More »

Behind the Epicor-Activant Integration

Leave a Comment / Technology, Subscriber Only /

Kevin Roach, executive vice president and general manager of Epicor, talks with MDM about the merger of software companies Activant and Epicor and how the new organization is working to get the most out of its combined capabilities. Here’s how the integration will affect distributors.

The merger of Activant and Epicor in April was just one of the latest developments in the continuing consolidation of the distribution software industry. Kevin Roach, executive vice president and general manager of the new combined Epicor, recently spoke with MDM about the merger and what it means for distribution companies currently on Epicor platforms ...

Behind the Epicor-Activant Integration Read More »

MSC Industrial Accelerates Acquisition Plans

Leave a Comment / Finance, Mergers & Acquisitions, Companies, Top Distributor Sectors, Subscriber Only /

MSC Industrial Direct Co. Inc., Melville, NY, is accelerating its approach to acquisitions, according to COO Erik Gershwind. “Historically, I would categorize MSC as opportunistic when it came to acquisitions,” Gershwind says. “But now we’re getting more proactive, making it a bigger part of our plan.”

MSC Industrial Accelerates Acquisition Plans Read More »

MDM Pricing Trends Report: Second Quarter 2011

Leave a Comment / Economic Trends, Research & Analytics, Subscriber Only /

This report was formerly called the Inflation by Commodity Group Report.

These product groups provide a snapshot of inflation trends based on the Producer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Second quarter 2010 is compared with second quarter 2011, and first quarter 2011 with second quarter 2011. This report is produced by MDM editors.

To access, premium subscribers should ensure they are logged-in to download this pdf report by clicking Download pdf below the product list (link shown after logging in).

Not a subscriber> Subscribe now or purchase this report.

Industrial:

  • Abrasives
  • Adhesives & Sealants
  • Metal Cutting Machine Tools
  • Metal Forming Machine Tools
  • Pumps, Compressors, & Eqmt
  • Ind. Material Handling Eqmt
  • Ind. Rubber Products, nec
  • Ind. Safety Eqmt
  • Metal Valves (not fluid power)
  • Steel Mill Products

Construction:

  • Softwood Lumber
  • Hardwood Lumber
  • General Millwork
  • Gypsum Products
  • Hardboard, Particlebd, Fiberbd
  • Plywood
  • Plastic Construction Products
  • Wood Ties, Siding, Shingles, Shakes

Electrical:

  • Electrical Machinery & Eqmt
  • Electronic Components & Accs
  • Integrating and Measuring Instruments
  • Motors & Generators
  • Wiring Devices
  • Transformers & Power Regulators
  • Switchgear, Switchboard, etc. Eqmt
  • Communications & Related Eqmt
  • Electric Lamp Bulbs & Parts

Power Transmission & Fluid Power

  • Mechanical Power Transmission Eqmt
  • Ball & Roller Bearings
  • Plain Bearings & Bushings
  • Speed Changers, Drives & Gears
  • Fluid Power Equipment
  • Fluid Power Valves
  • Fluid Power Pumps & Parts
  • Fluid Power Hose & Tube Fittings

Fasteners

  • Nuts, Bolts, Screws, Rivets, Washers (overall)
  • Aircraft Fasteners
  • Externally Threaded Fasteners
  • Internally Threaded Fasteners
  • Nonthreaded Metal Fasteners

Tools

  • Cutting Tools & Accessories (overall)
  • Hand & Edge Tools
  • Power-Driven Hand Tools
  • Precision Measuring Tools
  • Small Cutting Tools
  • Tools, Dies, Jigs, Molds, Fixtures

Jan-San & Packaging

  • Sanitary Paper Products
  • Spec. Cleaning, Polish & Sanitary Products
  • Boxes
  • Label/Wrap Printing for Packaging
  • Packaging & Ind. Converting Paper
  • Packaging Products from Plastics
  • Pulp, Paper and Allied Products

Hardware

  • Hardware (overall)
  • Builders’ Hardware

HVAC/Plumbing

  • Air Cond. & Refrigeration Eqmt
  • Heating Eqmt
  • Plumbing Fixtures & Fittings

Gases/Welding

  • Industrial Gases
  • Welding Machinery/Equipment

Plastics

  • Plastic Resins & Materials
  • Plastic Products (overall)

MDM Pricing Trends Report: Second Quarter 2011 Read More »

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