May 10, 2014 - Modern Distribution Management

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May 10, 2014

Disruptive Technologies: Introduction – Looking to the Future

Management, Strategy, Technology /

The May 10, 2014, issue of MDM kicks off a series of articles on disruptive technologies. This article provides an introduction to the series, examining how distribution executives should think about the potential impacts of these technologies – 3-D printing, augmented reality, robotics and innovations like drones and driverless cars – on their businesses, as well as those of their customers and suppliers.

This article includes:

  • Advice for executives on how to think about emerging technologies
  • Definition of disruptive technologies

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  • The State of E-Commerce in Distribution: 2014
  • The State of Analytics in Distribution: 2014
  • Redefining Competitive Advantage
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Disruptive Technologies: Bridging the Digital & Physical through Augmented Reality

Technology /

Google Glass is the most visible example of augmented reality, but a business case for the emerging technology is building. According to Gartner research analyst Tuong Huy Nguyen, the technology could be most valuable where workers do not have immediate access to information such as remote sites or in jobs that require one or both hands. While it’s still early, manufacturers are already using augmented reality for factory planning and equipment repair. Applications are also being developed for use in distribution centers for more efficient order-picking and delivery.

This article is part of MDM’s Disruptive Technologies Special Report.

This article includes:

  • What Augmented Reality is
  • How it can be used in the warehouse, field and factory
  • The potential impact on distributors and their customers and suppliers

Subscribers should log-in below to read this article.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • The State of E-Commerce in Distribution: 2014
  • The State of Analytics in Distribution: 2014
  • Redefining Competitive Advantage
To access this page, you must purchase MDM Premium Subscription, MDM Premium Subscription – Monthly or MDM Premium Subscription – Annually.

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Disruptive Technologies: 3-D Printing Drives Supply Chain Shift

Companies, Technology /

The media is talking about 3-D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, more than ever. But adoption of the technology in everyday use is far from widespread. This article examines the role of 3-D printing in manufacturing today and how it might change the supply chain in the future.

This article is part of MDM’s Disruptive Technologies Special Report.

This article includes:

  • Current applications for 3-D printing
  • Barriers to widespread use of 3-D printing
  • The potential impact on the supply chain of the future

Subscribers should log-in below to read this article.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • The State of E-Commerce in Distribution: 2014
  • The State of Analytics in Distribution: 2014
  • Redefining Competitive Advantage
To access this page, you must purchase MDM Premium Subscription, MDM Premium Subscription – Monthly or MDM Premium Subscription – Annually.

Disruptive Technologies: 3-D Printing Drives Supply Chain Shift Read More »

How to Clear 2014’s Economic Hurdles

Economic Trends, Management, Research & Analytics, Strategy /

After a year of slow, uneven recovery in 2013, distributors should focus on meeting the challenges posed in 2014, as well as positioning for growth in 2015 and beyond, according to Alan Beaulieu, president of ITR Economics. Beaulieu was featured in the recent MDM Webcast, The Path to Profitability in 2014. This article is an exclusive summary of the webcast, which is available on-demand and on DVD at mdm.com.

This article includes:

  • Forecast for 2014-2015
  • Key indicators to watch
  • Challenges distributors may face, including margin pressure

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Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • First Quarter 2014 MDM Pricing Trends Report
  • MDM-Baird Distribution Survey
  • Redefining Competitive Advantage
To access this page, you must purchase MDM Premium Subscription, MDM Premium Subscription – Monthly or MDM Premium Subscription – Annually.

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Download this Issue in PDF: May 10, 2014

Full Issue PDF /

This is the PDF of this issue of Modern Distribution Management.

Table of Contents:

  • Disruptive Technologies Special Report: Introduction to Technology that Could Transform the Supply Chain
  • Commentary: Distribution 3.0 – The Next Cycle
  • Disruptive Technologies Report: 3-D Printing Drives Supply Chain Shift
  • Disruptive Technologies Report: Bridging the Digital & Physical with Augmented Reality
  • How to Clear 2014’s Economic Hurdles
  • News Digest

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