Tracking industry and customer data can provide distributors with a window into future planning as the market continues to shift during the coronavirus crisis. Channel Marketing Groups David Gordon suggests elements to consider, ranging from pricing pressures to the availability of talent.
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In a recent virtual conversation with a few hundred Texas A&M Industrial Distribution students, the next generation had a lot to say about what changes they see in B2B distribution after the full impact of COVID-19 becomes clear. The future of distribution is moving faster than any of us thought possible, and its looking brighter with the talent coming online.
For employees who are traditionally customer-service oriented, making cold calls requires a different skill set. Eric Chernik, CEO of Building Controls & Solutions, is providing training and tools for all employees, such as customer call lists with outbound call scripts, to grow business during the coronavirus slowdown.
COVID-19 has sped up the digital evolution of the sales department. MDMs John Gunderson explains how to keep your sales people selling with the effective tactics they have picked up during coronavirus distancing, put an end to ineffective practices of the past, and use data to take share from competitors even in a down market.
There is an escalating response to the economic impact of the coronavirus among distributors, increasing furloughs and hiring freezes, management consulting firm Alexander Group finds. However, forward-looking distributors are also putting plans into place to convert competitors customers and grow digitally.
The e-commerce product is designed for businesses which need an immediate way to improve productivity, offer quality online experiences and stay connected to their valued customers and suppliers.
Amazon Businesss growth is not equally distributed. It has excelled in certain areas of B2B and struggled in others. Platform consultancy Applico shares the top verticals for Amazon Business, including number of products listed and category sellers.
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.
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.
Forecast error — the difference between forecast demand and actual demand — can negatively impact cash flow at a time when distributors want to conserve cash while dealing with coronavirus fallout. Reconsider relying on sales history alone, pre-determined inventory agreements, keeping rare items in stock and depending on sales reps to report market changes.
There are several elements of electronic data interchange (EDI) solutions that can minimize the impact of operating in a modified business model during the global coronavirus pandemic. IDEAs Tom Guzik shares three common EDI transactions distributors can use to keep supply chains optimized.
After initial success through its own website, the Michigan manufacturer first looked to broaden its customer base with a few items on Amazon about five years ago. CEO Jacqueline Canny explains how the e-commerce giant has helped to supplement Ultimations e-commerce expansion and bring in a wider audience for its conveyor technology and automation products.
MDMs most-read content of March focused on the coronavirus pandemic and its impacts on manufacturing and distribution, as well as actions the industry is taking to minimize negative consequences
In a matter of weeks, months and years, distributors can develop a strategy to differentiate your business and strengthen your market position in the face of this COVID-19 pandemic. proton.ais Benj Cohen lays out a timeline approach to reclaim market share, strengthen AI and create market differentiation.
Through his AI-driven company proton.ai, 23-year-old Benj Cohen is creating digital capabilities targeted specifically for the needs of the distribution market with the goal of enabling reps to make more orders not just take them.
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Insecurities about data quality, adequate budget, existing success and company bandwidth are common roadblocks to implementing a robust analytics program for distributors. ActVantages Senthil Gunasekaran analyzes the mindset behind these potential obstacles and what can happen when distributors work to move past them.
New orders placed in January 2020 fell 34% from January 2019, the lowest since January 2017.
From how the threat of coronavirus COVID-19 might influence supply chains to insider insights on getting the most from digital platforms, MDM readers cast a wide net for industry wisdom during the month.
Robust PIM solutions can streamline the source of product data and all digital assets, positioning distributors to make the most of your unique value proposition by improving customer engagement, automating operational processes and swiftly executing a new value chain.
There are key responses distributors can take to address issues that arise from blindly following a competitors lead, giving all customers equal service, allowing technology to paralyze you, making the wrong software decision, missing changes in your customer base, taking on mediocre business and becoming complacent about competitor capabilities.