February 25, 2015 - Modern Distribution Management

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February 25, 2015

Succession Planning: Executing the Strategy

Human Resources in Wholesale Distribution, Operations /

Even if a company has a vision, strategy and talent for its succession plan, challenges remain for ensuring it will prosper beyond its current leadership. Distributors share their best practices for succession, from identifying talent to forming new C-suite positions to creating employee stock ownership plans.

This article includes:

  • Assessing candidates for C-suite positions
  • Creating positions focused on succession planning
  • Other succession planning options

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  • Manufacturing’s Millennial Dilemma
  • Succession Planning: Positioning for the Future
  • Training, Technology Take Front Seat in Employee Retention Strategies
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MDM Premium Extra: Behind United Stationers’ Transformation to Essendant

Companies, eCommerce, Management, Operations, Paper Products & Packaging Distribution, Research & Analytics, Strategy, Technology, Top Distributor Sectors /

To thank you for your business and add value to your MDM Premium subscription, MDM offers bonus content each month exclusively to premium subscribers.

This month we feature a bonus article on United Stationers' decision to reposition to a new brand, Essendant. Associate Editor Eric Smith recently attended Emerge Core Live, the company's trade show and conference for customers and suppliers in Nashville, TN. During the show, CEO Cody Phipps conducted a media roundtable to outline the strategy behind United Stationers' efforts as it adapts to an evolving industry.

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Download this Issue in PDF: February 25, 2015

Full Issue PDF /

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

Table of Contents:

  • Succession Planning: Executing the Strategy
  • Commentary: Forecast – Mostly Cloudy and Competitive
  • 3 Margin Levers of Customer Profitability Analytics
  • Grainger Tackles the Data Challenge
  • Monthly Wholesale Trade Date: December 2014
  • MDM Inflation Index: January 2015
  • News Digest

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MDM Industrial Inflation Index: January 2015

Economic Trends, Research & Analytics /

Modern Distribution Management's monthly Industrial Inflation Index measures a cross-section of industrial supplies.

This index includes:

  • Abrasives Products
  • Cutting Tools
  • Power Transmission Equipment
  • Fasteners
  • Valves, etc.
  • Power Tools
  • Material Handling Equipment
  • Belting
  • Hand Tools
  • Misc. Metal

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  • MDM Interview: Creating a Sustainable Plastics Industry
  • Cost-Effective Channel Alignment
  • Market Analysis: Chemicals Consumption in North America
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Grainger logo on a screen

Grainger Tackles the Data Challenge

Companies, eCommerce, Technology /

E-commerce remains a priority for Grainger, as sales through online channels continue to grow. Paul Miller, vice president of global e-commerce, customer information and innovation for Grainger, spoke with Editor Jenel Stelton-Holtmeier at the 2015 Grainger Show, a trade show for Graingers employees, customers and suppliers. Miller discussed how the $10 billion distributor is addressing data challenges that come from having such a broad portfolio and how it is trying to streamline the process for customers.

This article includes:

  • E-commerce challenges
  • Improving search functions
  • Usability across platforms

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  • Use & Abuse of Customer Profitability Analytics
  • Overcoming a Technology Deficit
  • Forecast: Continued Growth in 2015
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Commentary: Forecast – Mostly Cloudy and Competitive

Economic Trends, Finance, Human Resources in Wholesale Distribution, Mergers & Acquisitions, Operations, Research & Analytics /

2015 may be a tide turner, but with a higher level of complexity for distributors.

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  • Is This the Next Normal?
  • The Critical Role of Employee Training
  • Top 10 Trends to Watch in 2015
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3 Margin Levers of Customer Profitability Analytics

Data & Analytics, Technology /

Customer profitability analytics are an effective way to drive improvements in gross and net margins. This article looks at how distributors can apply the information they have uncovered to improving profitability. Part 1 of this series covered the basic concepts behind customer and transactional cost analysis and presented some key limitations.

This article includes:

  • Profit Improvement Plans
  • Pricing Optimization
  • Services and Channel Alignment

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

  • Use & Abuse of Customer Profitability Analytics
  • Tackling the Profitability Yo-Yo
  • Commentary: Analyzing Analytics
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