This piece gathers commentary and insights from nearly a dozen various distributors to get a clearer picture of how and why they choose a WMS and what they look for in one.
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In Part 3 of our IT series, two distributor executives look to the future and have every intention of getting it right with self-serve and AI technologies.
With a market size estimated at $907 billion in 2024, the MRO industry continues to be a critical component of the U.S. economy. In this year's U.S. MRO Market Trends Report, we define a market that has demonstrated remarkable resilience amid global economic fluctuations.
Part 2 of our Executive Commentary series of conversations centers on how one major distributor relentlessly pursues sameness when it comes to customer experience across all buying channels.
The distributor IT department has never been busier — consumed with AI strategic planning while concurrently optimizing internal networks. The CIO of a large wholesale redistributor says all of it boils down to ROI.
About this report:
This report, focusing on distribution’s omnichannel future, follows Amazon’s rise as it rapidly built the competencies needed to master B2B distribution the way it mastered the online bookstore. This report examines the threats that Amazon poses, the rise of Amazon Business – formerly AmazonSupply – and why it presents a clear threat to today’s distributor. We explore where we think Amazon Business is heading with its adaptive model and why its threat to your business has turned from disintermediation to displacement.
Articles included in this report:
- Amazon’s Strategies and Capabilities
- Commentary: Amazon Attacks Industries, Not Companies
- Targeting Grainger and Beyond
- How to respond: Options for distributors
- Commentary: An Industry at an Inflection Point
- Call to action in 2018
This report is free to MDM Premium subscribers. Log in below to access the report.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe now. A 6-month, electronic subscription to MDM Premium– which includes a free download of this Amazon report – is only $45 more than the report itself. Or purchase this report by clicking on the link below.
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 below.
Many distribution verticals are experiencing consolidation, and those that haven’t are ripe for it. In this three-part series, author Mike Marks examines factors that have transformed distribution M&A and how companies can succeed in the new market. He provides tips for evaluating deals and for successful integration after close.
Articles included in this special report:
- Pt. 1: Unlocking Shareholder Value
- Pt. 2: The 8 Fatal Flaws in M&A
- Pt. 3: Integration Best Practices
Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more.
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 below.
W.W. Grainger Inc.’s new web pricing strategy was launched to reverse unfavorable market share trends Grainger experienced in certain market segments in recent years, but it also had the side effect of driving down the company's margins for the short term. This series analyzes the results of the strategy so far and the challenges Grainger faces in implementing its pricing approach. It also offers tips for how other distributors can improve their pricing strategies in the internet age.
Articles included in this special report:
- Pt. 1: A ‘Suboptimal’ Solution?
- Pt. 2: The Quest for Optimization
- 6 Lessons for Other Distributors
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Miami, FL-based HVACR distributor Watsco Inc. has invested millions of dollars in technology in recent years – from business intelligence to mobile apps to IT personnel. And the company is reaping numerous benefits, including $4.2 billion in annual sales and second place on MDM’s 2017 list of the Top 10 HVACR & Plumbing Distributors. Following a solid second quarter, President A.J. Nahmad and Senior Vice President Barry Logan spoke with MDM Associate Editor Eric Smith about Watsco’s technology focus.
This article includes:
- Watsco's increased technology spend
- Balancing people, process and technology to grow in sync
- Creating a culture where technology is a priority
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Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:
- MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: ‘Good, Not Great’
- Top Trends for 2017
- Commentary: What are you doing to make distribution ‘sexy?’
