October 2014 - Page 4 of 10 - Modern Distribution Management

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October 2014

Commentary: Keeping Up with Customer Expectations

eCommerce, Subscriber Only, Technology /

If your customers aren’t asking you for more of something – whether it’s products or services – you are in a distinct minority. In the latest MDM/Baird Distribution Survey, nearly 90 percent of respondents are figuring out how to meet new customer demands. Should you invest in technology or people? Or both? Where do you cut to free up resources to meet the new expectations? Because ultimately it comes down to that question of resources.

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  • 3Q2014 MDM/Baird Distribution Survey
  • Third Quarter 2014 Pricing Trends Report
  • 3Q2014 Financial Metrics & Trading Multiples
To access this page, you must purchase MDM Premium Subscription, MDM Premium Subscription – Monthly or MDM Premium Subscription – Annually.

Commentary: Keeping Up with Customer Expectations Read More »

MDM/Baird Distribution Survey: Sales Growth at Two-Year High

Quarterly MDM-Baird Distribution Survey, Research & Analytics, Subscriber Only /

Robert W. Baird & Co., in partnership with Modern Distribution Management, conducted a survey of about 500 distributors and manufacturers to gauge business trends and the outlook for the distribution industry in diverse sectors. This article provides a summary of third-quarter results and distributor and manufacturer expectations for 2015.

This article includes:

  • Revenue, inventory and pricing expectations
  • Sector breakdown
  • Analysis of trends affecting sales and operating performance

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

  • MDM Industrial Inflation Index
  • Third Quarter 2014 Pricing Trends Report
  • 3Q2014 Financial Metrics & Trading Multiples
To access this page, you must purchase MDM Premium Subscription, MDM Premium Subscription – Monthly or MDM Premium Subscription – Annually.

MDM/Baird Distribution Survey: Sales Growth at Two-Year High Read More »

7 Key Investments to Grow Online Revenue

Data & Analytics, eCommerce, Subscriber Only, Technology /

Corporate customers now seek an online experience similar to the business-to-consumer model, and distributors must adapt their e-commerce approach accordingly if they hope to increase conversion rates and customer retention. Michael Nagrant, principal consultant, Codifyd Inc., details why this is important and how it can be achieved in the recent MDM Webcast, 7 Key Investments Distributors Should Make to Grow Online Revenue. This article is an exclusive summary of the webcast, which is available on-demand and on DVD at mdm.com/7Investments.

Nagrant discusses:

  • Why static sites aren't enough
  • The importance of product categorization
  • Where distributors should focus their investments

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

  • 2014 State of E-Commerce in Distribution
  • Making Money With Smaller Customers
  • Operations as a ‘Lever for Innovation’
To access this page, you must purchase MDM Premium Subscription, MDM Premium Subscription – Monthly or MDM Premium Subscription – Annually.

7 Key Investments to Grow Online Revenue Read More »

Download this Issue in PDF: October 25, 2014

Full Issue PDF, Subscriber Only /

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

Table of Contents:

  • MDM/Baird Distribution Survey: Sales Growth Hits Two-Year High
  • Commentary: Keeping Up with Customer Expectations
  • MDM Third-Quarter Pricing Trends Report
  • 7 Key Investments to Grow Online Revenue
  • Third-Quarter Financial Metrics & Trading Multiples
  • MDM Industrial Inflation Index: September 2014
  • MDM Monthly Wholesale Trade Data
  • News Digest

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Download this Issue in PDF: October 25, 2014 Read More »

MDM Pricing Trends Report: Third Quarter 2014

Economic Trends, Research & Analytics /

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

This report is researched and produced by MDM editors. View the Second Quarter 2014 here.

These product groups provide a snapshot of inflation trends based on the Producer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Third quarter 2013 pricing levels are compared with third quarter 2014 and second quarter 2014 with third quarter 2014.

To view this report, log-in and click on download link below the product listing to access the print-ready PDF.

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Industrial

  • Abrasives
  • Adhesives & Sealants
  • Metal Cutting Machine Tools
  • Metal Forming Machine Tools
  • Pumps, Compressors, & Eqmt
  • Ind. Material Handling Eqmt
  • Rubber & Plastic Hose
  • Rubber & Plastic Belts & Belting
  • Ind. Rubber Products, nec
  • Metal Valves (not fluid power)
  • Personal Safety Equipment & Clothing
  • 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

Other Related Electrical

  • Lighting Fixtures
  • Nonferrous Wire & Cable
  • Fabricated Ferrous Wire & Cable

Power Transmission/Bearing

  • Mechanical Power Transmission Eqmt
  • Ball & Roller Bearings
  • Plain Bearings & Bushings
  • Speed Changers, Drives & Gears

Fluid Power

  • Fluid Power Eqmt
  • Fluid Power Valves
  • Fluid Power Hose/ Tube Fittings
  • Fluid Power Pumps & Parts
  • Fluid Power Actuators/ Accum/ Cylinders

Plastics

  • Plastic Resins & Materials
  • Plastic Products (Overall)

Fasteners

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

Hardware

  • Hardware (overall)
  • Builders’ Hardware

Tools

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

Gases/Welding

  • Industrial Gases
  • Welding Machinery/ Equipment

Paper

  • Pulp, Paper & Allied Products (overall)
  • Sanitary Paper Products
  • Boxes
  • Packaging Products from Plastic

HVACR/Plumbing

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

To view this report, log-in and click on Download pdf below the product listing.

To access this page, you must purchase MDM Premium Subscription, MDM Premium Subscription – Monthly or MDM Premium Subscription – Annually.

MDM Pricing Trends Report: Third Quarter 2014 Read More »

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