Distributors have a lot on their minds in recent months. The top stories of the second quarter (so far) covered a broad range of topics, from new technology to effective recruiting.
Here are the top five articles on mdm.com from the second quarter 2014:
1. Behind Grainger’s E-Commerce Strategy – In 2013, Grainger surpassed $3 billion in sales from e-commerce channels, representing one-third of total company sales. Paul Miller, vice president of global e-commerce for Grainger, spoke with MDM about Grainger’s approach and plans for e-commerce.
2. The 2014 State of E-Commerce in Distribution – MDM’s third annual distribution e-commerce survey, sponsored by NetSuite, showed that e-commerce revenue as a percent of overall revenue is rising relative to last year’s survey. This article provides Real Results Marketing’s Jonathan Bein’s analysis of the results.
3. 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, part of MDM's special report on disruptive technologies, examines the potential impact on distribution operations.
4. 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, part of MDM's special report on disruptive technologies, examines the role of 3-D printing in manufacturing today and how it might change the supply chain in the future.
5. College Recruiting: Go Beyond Career Fairs – Distributors that have been successful in recruiting top talent straight out of school say that the key is to develop ongoing relationships. For some, that includes guest speaking in classes, implementing internship programs and getting involved in student organizations. This article examines the challenges, benefits and best practices in recruiting at the college level.
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