Global demographics play an emerging role for manufacturers.
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Division will change its name to medical gas solutions.
Creation of valuable relationship between distributor and supplier eliminates disintermediation scares.
This article is a part of MDM's 2014 Distribution Trends Report. The article analyzes how distributors are approaching their product mix, including more strategic analysis of how well a potential product would fit within the company's strategy.
The annual report was researched and written by MDM editors based on interviews with dozens of wholesaler-distributors, as well as industry experts and manufacturers. MDM also conducted a survey of its readers to uncover the trends outlined in this report.
The full report is available to download in PDF format to MDM Premium subscribers. Subscribe below for full access. Or log-in if you are already a subscriber.
Trends outlined in the 2014 report include:
- Leaving Economic Uncertainty Behind
- Connecting the Dots Online and Offline
- Need for Access Whenever, Wherever, However Drives Mobile Adoption
- Avoiding Information Overload Essential with Analytics
- Making the Case for Millennials in Distribution
- Training, Technology Take Front Seat in Employee Retention Strategies
- Better Inventory Management Through Data, Collaboration
- Distributors Seek More Complete Strategy for Vending
- Private Equity Consolidating Markets
- A More Practical Approach to Product Expansion
- Trend Snapshots for 13 Sectors
The report also includes the following case studies and interviews:
- 2014 MDM Market Movers
- Engman-Taylors Cost-Saving Teams
- Capitol Coffees Proactive Problem-Solving
- Redwood Plastics Online Success Story
- MDM Market Leader Profiles
- DGI Supply: Building on the Core
- F.W. Webb Takes Diverse View of Market
This article is a part of MDM's 2014 Distribution Trends Report. The article analyzes how DGI Supply is focusing on internal investment to strengthen the company.
The annual report was researched and written by MDM editors based on interviews with dozens of wholesaler-distributors, as well as industry experts and manufacturers. MDM also conducted a survey of its readers to uncover the trends outlined in this report.
The full report is available to download in PDF format to MDM Premium subscribers. Subscribe below for full access. Or log-in if you are already a subscriber.
Trends outlined in the 2014 report include:
- Leaving Economic Uncertainty Behind
- Connecting the Dots Online and Offline
- Need for Access Whenever, Wherever, However Drives Mobile Adoption
- Avoiding Information Overload Essential with Analytics
- Making the Case for Millennials in Distribution
- Training, Technology Take Front Seat in Employee Retention Strategies
- Better Inventory Management Through Data, Collaboration
- Distributors Seek More Complete Strategy for Vending
- Private Equity Consolidating Markets
- A More Practical Approach to Product Expansion
- Trend Snapshots for 13 Sectors
The report also includes the following case studies and interviews:
- 2014 MDM Market Movers
- Engman-Taylors Cost-Saving Teams
- Capitol Coffees Proactive Problem-Solving
- Redwood Plastics Online Success Story
- MDM Market Leader Profiles
- DGI Supply: Building on the Core
- F.W. Webb Takes Diverse View of Market
This article is a part of MDM's 2014 Distribution Trends Report. The article analyzes how F.W. Webb is expanding into diverse sectors in order to meet its customer's needs.
The annual report was researched and written by MDM editors based on interviews with dozens of wholesaler-distributors, as well as industry experts and manufacturers. MDM also conducted a survey of its readers to uncover the trends outlined in this report.
The full report is available to download in PDF format to MDM Premium subscribers. Subscribe below for full access. Or log-in if you are already a subscriber.
Trends outlined in the 2014 report include:
- Leaving Economic Uncertainty Behind
- Connecting the Dots Online and Offline
- Need for Access Whenever, Wherever, However Drives Mobile Adoption
- Avoiding Information Overload Essential with Analytics
- Making the Case for Millennials in Distribution
- Training, Technology Take Front Seat in Employee Retention Strategies
- Better Inventory Management Through Data, Collaboration
- Distributors Seek More Complete Strategy for Vending
- Private Equity Consolidating Markets
- A More Practical Approach to Product Expansion
- Trend Snapshots for 13 Sectors
The report also includes the following case studies and interviews:
- 2014 MDM Market Movers
- Engman-Taylors Cost-Saving Teams
- Capitol Coffees Proactive Problem-Solving
- Redwood Plastics Online Success Story
- MDM Market Leader Profiles
- DGI Supply: Building on the Core
- F.W. Webb Takes Diverse View of Market
Toby Mack of the EEIA says development of shale areas has significantly altered the U.S. energy picture
Don't let the hype over AmazonSupply prevent a strategic approach to e-commerce.
Careful planning and clear communication is key to successful collaboration.
How will drones, driverless cars impact the distribution industry?
Distributor works with Industrial Supply Association, Affiliated Distributors.
Is Amazon a real threat to distributors?
Subscribers should log-in below to read this article.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:
- The State of Analytics in Distribution: 2014
- The Shifting Competitive Landscape in Distribution
- The Disruptive Technologies Special Report
Sanjay Agarwal of Deloitte says distributors need to be more strategic about driving value.
Segmentation, targeting and positioning are key to developing an effective sales strategy.
Master distributor continues to expand presence in janitorial and breakroom supplies.
AmazonSupplys impact on the industry is not black and white.
The May 10, 2014, issue of MDM kicks off a series of articles on disruptive technologies. This article provides an introduction to the series, examining how distribution executives should think about the potential impacts of these technologies – 3-D printing, augmented reality, robotics and innovations like drones and driverless cars – on their businesses, as well as those of their customers and suppliers.
This article includes:
- Advice for executives on how to think about emerging technologies
- Definition of disruptive technologies
Subscribers should log-in below to read this article.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:
- The State of E-Commerce in Distribution: 2014
- The State of Analytics in Distribution: 2014
- Redefining Competitive Advantage
After a year of slow, uneven recovery in 2013, distributors should focus on meeting the challenges posed in 2014, as well as positioning for growth in 2015 and beyond, according to Alan Beaulieu, president of ITR Economics. Beaulieu was featured in the recent MDM Webcast, The Path to Profitability in 2014. This article is an exclusive summary of the webcast, which is available on-demand and on DVD at mdm.com.
This article includes:
- Forecast for 2014-2015
- Key indicators to watch
- Challenges distributors may face, including margin pressure
Subscribers should log-in below to read this article.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:
- First Quarter 2014 MDM Pricing Trends Report
- MDM-Baird Distribution Survey
- Redefining Competitive Advantage
