MDM Premium Archives - Page 32 of 549 - Modern Distribution Management

Log In

Premium Member Dashboard

All your exclusive premium content in one location.

Premium Monthly

This jam-packed issue includes nine articles that span Ferguson’s diversification and private brand strategy; QXO’s acquisition plans; research on labor trends; Fastenal’s AI tools; and much more.

Market Insight Reports

Find a wealth of data and analysis extracted from the 2Q24 Baird-MDM Industrial Distribution Survey, including trending charts and figures for revenue and expectations, plus plenty of interesting commentary.
See our Premium M&A articles from April-June 2024, including Sonepar’s acquisition journey; how dealmaking impacts MDM’s Top Distributors feature; and the latest EBITDA trading multiples.
See our in-depth M&A articles from the first three months of 2024, including the Home Depot-SRS blockbuster; the acquisition strategy for Ferguson and Border States; and the latest EBITDA trading multiples.

Case Studies

This report examines Fastenal’s strategic pivots over the past ten years – digital, self-service, product mix, sales specialization and more – that have created one of the highest performing North American distributors as measured across most financial benchmarks.
Digital is driving a lot of change in distribution, but not everything. There are other factors at play. Its important to not fixate on Amazon (but dont ignore!). Its more important to maintain some perspective to figure out your best moves in 2019 to stay relevant to each part of the success formula your customers, employees and suppliers. Our lead article touches nicely on this.

Subscribers should log-in below to read this article.

As President of Kelly & Hayes, a 73-year-old commercial and industrial electrical supply house, Christian Brockey knows firsthand the challenge of selling materials that have been sitting on the shelf for years. Often, we say that we have six months of good purchasing and 73 years of mistakes in our warehouse, Brockey says. Meeting that challenge led Brockey to found DistributorStock.com, an e-commerce marketplace to help independent distributors nationwide list shelf stock for sale online. MDM spoke with Brockey to hear his vision for the website, now in Beta, and how he sees it helping to move distributors stale inventory.

Subscribers should log-in below to read this article.

In the world of digital, many distributors dont know where to start. Thats the consensus among several speakers at MDMs upcoming 2019 Digital Distributor Summit. Over the course of June 18-20, nearly a dozen distribution veterans will provide attendees with specific knowledge on how to figure out where their company stands now with digital technology application, develop the most essential foundational components for a successful program and find the right strategy to shape their future.

Subscribers should log-in below to read this article.

College-recruiting

Distributors that have been successful in recruiting top talent straight out of school say that the key is to develop ongoing relationships that include guest speaking in classes, internship programs and involvement in student organizations. This article examines the challenges, benefits and best practices in recruiting at the college level. It includes comments from distributors that have seen success in this area, including WinWholesale, Womack Machine Supply and Laird Plastics.

This article includes:

  • How to build awareness among young talent
  • The importance of developing relationships early on
  • Best practices in internships

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:

  • A Demographic Shift in Distribution
  • Generational Shift Drives Changes in Technology, Customer Expectations
  • The Hiring Disconnect in Distribution

Theres a lot of jargon around all things digital, and I plead guilty on all charges when talking about them digital platforms, omnichannel, cloud, big data ... the more digital we go, the fuzzier the logic we seem to attach to the terminology used to describe it.

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
  • Redefining Competitive Advantage

The third annual MDM distribution e-commerce survey found that distributors’ e-commerce revenue as a percent of overall revenue is rising. But while distributors are increasingly using multiple vehicles to drive demand online, they have not yet effectively integrated tools such as marketing automation and paid search into their efforts. This article looks at how distributors approach demand generation online and ways they can improve the weakest links, as revealed by the survey.

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 2014 State of E-Commerce in Distribution, Part 1
  • Special Report: The Industrial Vending Boom
  • Behind Grainger's E-Commerce Strategy
shopkey-small

The third annual MDM distribution e-commerce survey conducted with Real Results Marketing revealed several key trends:

  • E-commerce revenue as a percent of overall revenue is rising relative to last year’s survey.
  • The primary objectives among distributors for e-commerce remain acquiring new customers, growing wallet share with existing customers and improving website usability.
  • Mobile deployments are growing rapidly.

This article examines the results of the 2014 State of E-Commerce in Distribution Survey and how the industry’s e-commerce offerings are maturing. Part 2 will look at best practices for distributor e-commerce marketing, data management and operations.

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:

  • Strategies for Private Label Success
  • Special Report: The Industrial Vending Boom
  • Behind Grainger's E-Commerce Strategy
KamanIndTech

In late February, Bloomfield, CT-based Kaman announced an agreement to acquire fluid power distributor B.W. Rogers, Akron, OH. Steve Smidler, president of the Kaman Distribution Group, recently spoke with MDM about the reasons for the acquisition and plans for integrating the distributor into Kaman’s business.

This article includes:

  • How acquisition deepens the Parker relationship
  • How acquisition will expand Kaman's end-market reach
  • How Kaman will integrate B.W. Rogers

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:

  • MDM Interview: Kaman's Expansion Strategy
  • Applied Industrial: Fluid Power a Growth Area for Distributor
  • Special Report: The Industrial Vending Boom
FLEX-QandA

As the face of the workforce shifts, managers need new skills to connect and effectively lead a more diverse employee base. A new book, Flex: The New Playbook for Managing Across Differences, was written to address this need. MDM Editor Lindsay Konzak recently spoke with the book’s co-author Jane Hyun, an executive coach and global leadership adviser to Fortune 500 firms.

This interview includes Hyun's take on:

  • Why it's important for manager's to be able to "flex" their management styles
  • How managers can bridge the power gap
  • The cost of not considering different management styles

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:

  • MDM Interview: Avnet's Roy Vallee Reflects on Changes in the Industry
  • Where Managers Blunder
  • Commentary: Re-evaluate the Human Capital in Your Company
GraingerMobile

In 2013, Grainger surpassed $3 billion in sales from e-commerce channels, representing a third of total company sales. Paul Miller, vice president of global e-commerce for Grainger, spoke with Editor Lindsay Konzak about Grainger’s approach and plans for e-commerce.

This article includes:

  • How the distributor approaches e-commerce
  • Grainger's multichannel approach
  • Where Grainger sees opportunity with technology

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
  • Grainger's E-Commerce Evolution
  • Beyond Amazon: E-Commerce's Impact on Wholesale Distribution Markets
data-on-gray-background

In this two-page report, available to download in PDF after log-in, we feature a new, expanded quarterly report with data on merger and acquisition trends and financial metrics for the largest publicly traded distributors across diverse sectors.

In partnership with Houlihan Lokey, an investment banking firm, we have added data on M&A activity trends across all industries (not just distribution), as well as valuation multiples for deals in all industries.

Where there are gaps, there are opportunities. MDM’s research on the state of analytics in wholesale distribution identified clear gaps across analytics technology, talent and techniques. This perspective from Publisher Tom Gale talks about why you should think about a strategy and plan for analytics.

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 Rise of 'Little Data' in Distribution
  • Minding the Gap Between Data and Action
  • Commentary: Better Data, Better Analytics/li>
data-on-gray-background

Research conducted by MDM on the adoption and use of analytics by wholesale distribution companies revealed several key trends:

  • The wholesale distribution industry is transitioning to a more data-driven mindset, but there are widely different views on what that means.
  • Many distributors say they don’t have the right analytic tools, technologies and talent needed to stay competitive in quickly shifting markets.
  • Survey respondents are generally satisfied with analytics centered on operational efficiencies and financial reporting, but less satisfied with deployment of more strategic tools focused on profitability, sales, marketing and service development.

This article includes:

  • The evolution of Analytics
  • Results from the MDM survey on use of analytics in distribution businesses
  • Opportunity for competitive advantage using analytics

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:

  • Beyond Amazon: E-Commerce's Impact on Wholesale Distribution Markets
  • The Rise of 'Little Data' in Distribution
  • MDM Interview: Breaking Down the Barriers for CRM

"Truthiness" describes using intuition or gut feeling to define "truth" without regard to facts, data or even logic. Today, there's a lot of truthiness surrounding big data, market planning and customer relevance.

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:

  • MDM Interview with Guy Blissett: Uncertainty + Change = Opportunity?
  • Where Managers Blunder
  • How Distributors Say They Measure Up to the Competition

Many distributors have struggled with where to invest limited dollars to meet the demands resulting from the rapidly growing role of technology in the industry. This article looks at distributors' current technology challenges and plans, identified by respondents to the 2014 MDM Industry Outlook Survey, sponsored by NetSuite.

More details from the 2014 MDM Industry Outlook will be provided in the upcoming Jan. 16, 2014, webcast, the 2014 Distribution Industry Outlook.

This article includes:

  • Distributors' plans for technology investments in 2014
  • Key challenges related to new technologies
  • How to overcome some of those key challenges

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:

  • Beyond Amazon: E-Commerce's Impact on Wholesale Distribution Markets
  • Grainger's E-Commerce Evolution
  • MDM Interview: Breaking Down the Barriers for CRM
Refocus

For distributors to successfully navigate a challenging landscape they must reinforce their core strengths. This facet of the 2016 Distribution Remodel could entail a number of solutions, from deepening customer engagement to dropping unprofitable customer segments to divesting noncore assets.

This article includes:

  • Devising a blueprint for remodeling
  • Remodelings role in M&A
  • How differentiating can help you win market share

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:

  • 2016 Distribution Remodel: Invest or Die
  • Distributors Getting Back to the Basics
  • Commentary: Refocus on the Foundation

Distributors looking to balance renewed focus on their core with meeting customer demand to provide more are turning to master distributors to achieve that end. This article looks at how the role of master distributors has evolved and the additional roles they now play for traditional distributors.

This article includes:

  • How distributors use masters
  • Additional benefits master distributors provide
  • How masters are elevating their traditional role

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:

  • Distributors Adapt to More Sophisticated Supply Chain
  • Integrated Supplys Next Phase
  • Industry 4.0: Technology-Driven Change

Modern Distribution Management's monthly Industrial Inflation Index measures a cross-section of industrial supplies.

This index includes:

  • Abrasives Products
  • Cutting Tools
  • Power Transmission Equipment
  • Fasteners
  • Valves, etc.
  • Power Tools
  • Material Handling Equipment
  • Belting
  • Hand Tools
  • Misc. Metal

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:

  • MDM Pricing Trends Report: Fourth Quarter 2015 and Annual
  • 2016 Distribution Remodel: How to Build a Better Business
  • Market Analysis: HVACR Consumption in the United States

The distribution industry is due for a remodel. What has worked for decades still works, but it is far less effective now for businesses that want to grow. MDMs team has identified key areas that distributors need to focus on in 2016 to build the adaptive model that changing market conditions require.

This article includes:

  • Bridging the cycle gap
  • Investing on the Down Side
  • Finding Balance & Focus

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:

  • MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Declining Demand Drives Down 4Q
  • Top Trends for 2016
  • Chasing Profitability

Distributors that invest wisely in talent, technology or other areas of their business will gain a competitive advantage and market share when economic conditions improve. This article explains why strategic investment is critical and provides tips on where and how to devote resources.

This article includes:

  • Reasons to remodel
  • Areas to invest
  • Pitfalls to avoid

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:

  • Rebranding Road Map
  • 2015 State of Distribution Inside Sales: Strive to be Proactive
  • Industry 4.0: Technology-Driven Change

For business leaders to get better, they must disrupt their own businesses, engage more deeply with employees and continually innovate. This article shows how they can achieve these steps and others on the path to transforming their leadership skills.

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:

  • Chasing Profitability
  • MDM Interview: Beyond Change Management
  • The 2016 Strategy Playbook

Distributors cant rely on what works today to get them through tomorrow. Being proactive is key to future success.

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 2016 Strategy Playbook
  • MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Declining Demand Drives Down 4Q
  • MDM Interview: Beyond Change Management
MA_HVACR

The MDM Market Analysis, based on data from MDM Analytics, includes consumption of HVACR supplies by end user in the U.S., plus the top end users by 6-digit NAICS.

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:

  • MDM Pricing Trends Report: Fourth Quarter 2015
  • Market Analysis: Janitorial Supplies Consumption in the United States
  • Top Trends for 2016

This report was formerly called the Inflation by Commodity Group Report.

This report is researched and produced by MDM editors. View the Third Quarter 2015 report here.

These product groups provide a snapshot of inflation trends based on the Producer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Fourth quarter 2014 pricing levels are compared with fourth quarter 2015, third quarter 2015 with fourth quarter 2015, and end of year 2014 with end of year 2015.

To view this report, log-in and click on download link below the product listing to access the print-ready PDF.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for immediate access.

Industrial

  • Abrasives
  • Adhesives & Sealants
  • Metal Cutting Machine Tools
  • Metal Forming Machine Tools
  • Pumps, Compressors, & Eqmt
  • Ind. Material Handling Eqmt
  • Rubber & Plastic Hose
  • Rubber & Plastic Belts & Belting
  • Ind. Rubber Products, nec
  • Metal Valves (not fluid power)
  • Personal Safety Equipment & Clothing
  • Steel Mill Products

Construction

  • Softwood Lumber
  • Hardwood Lumber
  • General Millwork
  • Gypsum Products
  • Hardboard, Particlebd, Fiberbd
  • Plywood
  • Plastic Construction Products
  • Wood Ties, Siding, Shingles,
  • Shakes

Electrical

  • Electrical Machinery & Eqmt
  • Electronic Components & Accs
  • Integrating and Measuring Instruments
  • Motors & Generators
  • Wiring Devices
  • Transformers & Power Regulators
  • Switchgear, Switchboard, etc., Eqmt
  • Communications & Related Eqmt
  • Electric Lamp Bulbs & Parts

Other Related Electrical

  • Lighting Fixtures
  • Nonferrous Wire & Cable
  • Fabricated Ferrous Wire & Cable

Power Transmission/Bearing

  • Mechanical Power Transmission Eqmt
  • Ball & Roller Bearings
  • Plain Bearings & Bushings
  • Speed Changers, Drives & Gears

Fluid Power

  • Fluid Power Eqmt
  • Fluid Power Valves
  • Fluid Power Hose/ Tube Fittings
  • Fluid Power Pumps & Parts
  • Fluid Power Actuators/ Accum/ Cylinders

Plastics

  • Plastic Resins & Materials
  • Plastic Products (Overall)

Fasteners

  • Nuts, Bolts, Screws, Rivets, Washers (overall)
  • Aircraft Fasteners
  • Externally Threaded Fasteners
  • Internally Threaded Fasteners
  • Nonthreaded Metal Fasteners

Hardware

  • Hardware (overall)
  • Builders’ Hardware

Tools

  • Hand & Edge Tools
  • Power-Driven Hand Tools
  • Tools, Dies, Jigs, Molds, Fixtures
  • Cutting Tools & Accs (overall)
  • Precision Measuring Tools
  • Small Cutting Tools

Gases/Welding

  • Industrial Gases
  • Welding Machinery/ Equipment

Paper

  • Pulp, Paper & Allied Products (overall)
  • Sanitary Paper Products
  • Boxes
  • Packaging Products from Plastic

HVACR/Plumbing

  • Air Cond. & Refrigeration Eqmt
  • Heating Eqmt
  • Plumbing Fixtures & Fittings

To view this report, log-in and click on Download pdf below the product listing.

Modern Distribution Management's monthly Industrial Inflation Index measures a cross-section of industrial supplies.

This index includes:

  • Abrasives Products
  • Cutting Tools
  • Power Transmission Equipment
  • Fasteners
  • Valves, etc.
  • Power Tools
  • Material Handling Equipment
  • Belting
  • Hand Tools
  • Misc. Metal

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:

  • MDM Pricing Trends Report: Fourth Quarter 2015 and Annual
  • 2015 State of Distribution Inside Sales: Strive to be Proactive
  • Market Analysis: Janitorial Supplies Consumption in the United States

Investment Banking Directory

Work with a banking partner that knows your business. Get detailed information on investment banks with expertise in the wholesale distribution industry.

Featured Content

How to Drive Adoption for B2B Technology

Download this whitepaper to uncover the stories of two pioneering distribution businesses, illuminating the…

Business Model Innovation

Discover how leading distributors are inventing and transforming business models to delight customers, disrupt…

3 Ways Distributors Can Make Better Inventory Decisions

Discover how a leading distributor has revolutionized inventory policies and supply chain planning to…

SHIFT 2023 Playbook

As distribution leaders constantly seek educational resources on business transformation, technology optimization and talent…

Market Prospector

  • Build strategic sales plans.

  • Determine market and demand.

  • Create smart prospect lists. 

Turn your sales data into actionable data with Market Prospector.  A web-based SAAS tool that gives you insight into your market, your territories, your customers and new prospects too. 

Sign Up for the MDM Update Newsletter

Our daily newsletter is your best source for news and trends in the wholesale distribution industry.

Get the MDM Update Newsletter

Wholesale distribution news and trends delivered right to your inbox.

Sign-up for our free newsletter and get:

  • Up-to-date news in a quick-to-read format
  • Free access to webcasts, podcasts and live events
  • Exclusive whitepapers, research and reports
  • And more!

Register for full access

By providing your email, you agree to receive announcements from us and our partners for our newsletter, events, surveys, and partner resources per MDM Terms & Conditions. You can withdraw consent at any time.

Learn More about Custom Reports

Request a Market Prospector Demo

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.