Tip: Strengthen Competitiveness with These Four “P”s
Start with these four basics to strategize your companys value.
Tip: Strengthen Competitiveness with These Four “P”s Read More »
September 2014
Sonepar Agrees to Acquire Routeco
Acquisition to strengthen Sonepars position with entries into new countries and the industrial automation market.
Sonepar Agrees to Acquire Routeco Read More »
Sonepar to Acquire IDG
Acquisition to strengthen Sonepars position in MRO and integrated supply.
Sonepar to Acquire IDG Read More »
Rexel Reorganizes in Europe
The electrical distributor combined two of its three European zones to streamline its management structure.
Rexel Reorganizes in Europe Read More »
In Recent Survey, Manufacturing’s Outlook is Bright
Balance outside data such as economic news with internal data to plan.
In Recent Survey, Manufacturing’s Outlook is Bright Read More »
HD Supply Facilities Maintenance Opens News DC in Houston
The 500,000-square-foot facility is distributor’s 45th in the U.S. and Canada.
HD Supply Facilities Maintenance Opens News DC in Houston Read More »
Grainger: AmazonSupply Just Another Online Competitor
Americas Group President: Online competition is ‘incredibly competitive,’ but it’s more than just Amazon.
Grainger: AmazonSupply Just Another Online Competitor Read More »
July Construction Production Flat in Europe
Year-over-year, production in construction increased by 0.4 percent in the euro area and by 0.6 percent in the EU28.
July Construction Production Flat in Europe Read More »
Gathering Tools for a Disaster Plan
Most companies already have tools in place to initiate a disaster plan.
Gathering Tools for a Disaster Plan Read More »
Canadian Manufacturing Sales Up 2.5% in July
Eight provinces posted higher sales in July with the bulk of the gain as in Ontario.
Canadian Manufacturing Sales Up 2.5% in July Read More »
Report: Data Drives Better Decision-Making
Companies that base “big decisions” on data three times more likely to see significant improvement from those decisions.
Report: Data Drives Better Decision-Making Read More »
MAPI Quarterly U.S. Industrial Outlook: Broad-Based Growth
Manufacturing production forecasted to grow 3.4 percent in 2014.
MAPI Quarterly U.S. Industrial Outlook: Broad-Based Growth Read More »
Producer Price Index Unchanged in August
Final demand services saw a 0.3 percent rise in prices.
Producer Price Index Unchanged in August Read More »
BlackHawk Industrial Acquires Assets of Marshall Tool
Acquisition helps BlackHawk broaden its geographical footprint and sales penetration in Utah.
BlackHawk Industrial Acquires Assets of Marshall Tool Read More »
Danaher to Acquire Nobel Biocare
Acquisition to widen Danaher’s market presence in the global dental industry.
Danaher to Acquire Nobel Biocare Read More »
Are You Ready for Robot Managers?
Exponential growth in robotics technology development has expanded how robots may be used in business.
Are You Ready for Robot Managers? Read More »
Industrial Production Down 0.1% in August
The output of utilities rose 1 percent.
Industrial Production Down 0.1% in August Read More »
MDM Special Report: 2014 State of E-Commerce in Distribution
This report, now available in PDF format, is a benefit for MDM Premium subscribers. Simply log-in below to access and download this series of articles. Not a subscriber? Subscribe or purchase online access below.
Articles in this report include:
1. 2014 State of E-Commerce in Distribution: The Maturing E-Commerce Channel
By: Jonathan Bein, Ph.D.
The third annual MDM distribution e-commerce survey conducted with Real Results Marketing revealed several key trends:
- E-commerce revenue as a percent of overall revenue is rising relative to last year’s survey.
- The primary objectives among distributors for e-commerce remain acquiring new customers, growing wallet share with existing customers and improving website usability.
- Mobile deployments are growing rapidly.
This article examines the results of the 2014 State of E-Commerce in Distribution Survey and how the industry’s e-commerce offerings are maturing. Part 2 will look at best practices for distributor e-commerce marketing, data management and operations.
2. The Multichannel Factor
The third annual MDM distribution e-commerce survey found that distributors’ e-commerce revenue as a percent of overall revenue is rising. But while distributors are increasingly using multiple vehicles to drive demand online, they have not yet effectively integrated tools such as marketing automation and paid search into their efforts. This article looks at how distributors approach demand generation online and ways they can improve the weakest links, as revealed by the survey.
MDM Special Report: 2014 State of E-Commerce in Distribution Read More »
European Industrial Production Up 1% in July
Up by 0.7 percent in EU28.
European Industrial Production Up 1% in July Read More »
MDM Special Report: Disruptive Technologies: The Future of Distribution
This report, now available in PDF format, is a benefit for MDM Premium subscribers. Simply log-in below to access and download this series of articles. Not a subscriber? Subscribe or purchase online access below.
Articles in this report include:
Introduction: Looking to the Future
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.
3-D Printing Drives Supply Chain Shift
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 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.
Augmented Reality: Bridging the Digital & the Physical
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.
The Rise of Robots in Distribution
Industry-watchers say that robotics technology is growing more sophisticated and can increasingly perform a wider range of tasks and collaborate with humans. This article examines the potential impact on distribution operations. This article includes: current applications for robotics; the growth of robotics; the business case for automation.
Behind the Drivers of Driverless Delivery
Of all the technologies explored in MDM’s Disruptive Technologies Special Report, drones and driverless cars are the least close to fruition. The technology is advancing quickly, but many obstacles stand in the way of a practical application for businesses. This article includes: drones in delivery and the warehouse; Carnegie-Mellon professor on the potential for & challenges facing driverless cars; fleet-tracking software.
MDM Special Report: Disruptive Technologies: The Future of Distribution Read More »
