Many employees are no longer working under the security of their employers protected networks. This reality, coupled with cyberthreats trending upward, makes it a good time for distributors to review IT-related preparedness plans and policies.
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Zoro merchandises its nearly 4 million products thanks to help from its behind the scenes partnerships with a variety of distributors, from small businesses to larger outlets, operating in conjunction with a range of online channels — except Amazon.
Distributors are responding to customer concerns and increased demand on staff in a variety of ways, including limiting new business to meet existing customer demand; open communication on shortages and supplier allocations, and discouraging panic by not accepting returns beyond normal usage patterns. Face the crisis with a sense of flexibility and resilience, experts say.
In a time when optimism and clarity are hard to come by, Im moved by how the fundamental value of distribution is in the right place, at the right time. At one level its about moving product, but its much deeper than that distributors keep the economy running.
In a few short weeks coronavirus has dealt another blow to in-person meetings and personal relationship selling. But now is not the time to stop selling, argues MDMs John Gunderson. He frames the importance of continuity in your companys sales process in this time of crisis and thoughts on how to deepen the value those relationships have built over many years.
The 38-year-old industry outsider came into distribution when e-commerce was just taking off and has since led MSC Industrial Supplys Better MRO online knowledge hub to hundreds of thousands of monthly visitors.
Through its technical investments, Ferguson, No. 1 on MDMs Top Distributors List in 2019, is working to create seamless connections with customers across all touchpoints.
This Munich-based, third-generation distributor of bearings, power transmission, fluid power and tooling products took a non-traditional approach to transforming into a digital distribution business. It started by digitizing and strengthening the automation capabilities of its back-end systems purchasing, inventory management, logistics before focusing on the sales side of the business. And it accomplished this transformation by developing its internal technology and development expertise, thus being able to customize and enhance ERP and other critical platforms. One of MDMs 2019 Digital Innovator Award winners, heres Ludwig Meisters story on how the distributor has built a culture of digital innovation.
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January is typically not a big sales month for Earnest Machine, a 72-year-old fastener distribution company out of Cleveland. But this January was not typical. The company was up 29% at the start of 2019, said CEO Kirk Zehnder. Speaking last month at MDMs Sale GPS Conference, Zehnder explained the radical shift in Earnests sales department structure that he credits for the boost.
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Back-to-back declines in key indices suggest moderating growth ahead, according to latest data from The Conference Board.
Online retail giant expands Toronto Tech Hub, opens 113,000 square-foot office in Scotia Plaza.
2019 outlook calls for growth, but expansion is moderating, group says.
Online retailer says Marshall County facility will create 850 full-time jobs.
Company reports double-digit gains in industrial tools business for fiscal first quarter 2019.
Sale is part of KCP effort to streamline global business.
Companies extend tender offer for all outstanding shares of Essendant to December 26.
Manufacturer adds executives from Cisco Systems and Aeris Communications to its board of directors.
The acquisition will expand the companys health information systems capabilities.
All eight major components rose year over year in November.
