MDM Premium Archives - Page 38 of 550 - Modern Distribution Management
Premium Member Dashboard

All your exclusive premium content in one location.

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK REPORTS

It provides a thorough look at the state of the U.S. wholesale distribution economy today and what factors are influencing underlying demand.
Our 2024 EOR is a comprehensive economic reference guide to the U.S. wholesale distribution industry and its many different verticals. It is comprised of 20 different subreports.

Premium Monthly

This issue is packed with 10 articles that span Amazon’s VMI launch, features on Watsco, ABC Supply and City Electric Supply, distributors’ industry event spending and more, plus an HVACR Market Profile.

Market Insight Reports

Find a wealth of data and analysis extracted from the 3Q24 Baird-MDM Industrial Distribution Survey, including trending charts and figures for revenue and expectations, plus plenty of interesting commentary.
See our top Premium M&A articles from July-September 2024, including QXO’s rollout plans; Sonepar’s Purchase of Summit Electric; What to know before expanding across state lines; and the latest EBITDA trading multiples.

Case Studies

This case study explores the plumbing, HVACR, PVF and industrial supplies distributor’s past decade of growth through diversification, private branding and increased customer loyalty.
Even with the United States 10 percent tariff on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods set to rise to 25 percent Jan. 1, 2019, industry watchers and executives have yet to see a significant impact on bottom lines for distributors. Companies are addressing the Trump administrations indefinite timetable for the levies by adjusting business practices to make up for losses using a variety of tactics many expect will allow business to remain stable through at least the first half of the new year.

Subscribers should log in below to read this article.

Distributors have been through cycles of challenge and response before, but change is different in the digital age. Past challenges came from industry insiders with game-changing business models built around leveraging scale and removing redundancies across the value chain. Examples include big-box retailers, high-share consolidators, integrated suppliers, disintermediators and vertical integrators. The challenge for distributors was real, but the changes were familiar. New rules of competition emerged, but the fundamental roles of manufacturers, distributors and customers remained.

Subscribers should log in below to read this article.

Some industry analysts feel data transparency is inevitable, and that fear of the Amazon Business Marketplace is overblown; the real focus should be on how to survive in this new environment, not how to keep it at bay. Others see a threat to traditional distribution models. Some distributors are focusing on transitioning to new services-based revenue, away from traditional core product commodities. Justin King, Mark Dancer, Alex Moazed, David Sass and Ian Heller provide their takes on where they think distributors can best focus their resources.

Subscribers should log in below to read this article.

In this two-page report, available to download in PDF after log-in, we feature data on merger and acquisition trends and financial metrics for the largest publicly traded distributors across diverse sectors in the third quarter of 2018.

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

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:

  • Distribution M&A Playbook, pt. 3: Integration Best Practices
  • Grainger’s Pricing Initiative, pt 2: The Quest for Optimization
  • Commentary: Harvey’s Stark Reminder on Disaster Planning

This report is researched and produced by MDM editors. View the Second Quarter 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. Third quarter 2018 pricing levels are compared with second quarter 2018 and third quarter 2017.

To view this report, log-in and click on the 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.

Robert W. Baird & Co., in partnership with Modern Distribution Management, conducted a survey of more than 500 distributors and manufacturers to gauge business trends and the outlook for the distribution industry in diverse sectors. Here are the latest indicators on revenue and pricing based on third-quarter results and distributor and manufacturer expectations for fourth-quarter 2018 and 2019.

This article includes:

  • Sector Performance
  • Analytics Adoption in Distribution
  • Pricing

Subscribers should log in below to read this article.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more.

shopkey-small

The fourth annual MDM distribution e-commerce survey conducted with Real Results Marketing revealed that the barrier to entry for e-commerce has lessened, but distributors are still deciding if they should launch e-commerce capability on their websites.

Part 1 of this series showed how the industry’s e-commerce offerings are maturing.

This article includes:

  • Why distributors might be reluctant to launch an e-commerce capability
  • Marketing vehicle effectiveness and spend
  • An overview of the integrated marketing approach

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:

  • Amazons B2B Move Reduces Threat
  • Grainger Tackles the Data Challenge
  • Industry 4.0: Technology-Driven Change

Technology continues to introduce new disruptions to the supply chain. Jim Barnes, ISM Services managing director, recently spoke with MDM about the potential these disruptive technologies have for fundamentally changing how the supply chain operates.

This article includes:

  • The current stage of technology adoption
  • How the Internet of Things is being adapted
  • The effect of automation

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: Creating a Culture of Innovation
  • Strategic Options for Shipping Efficiency
  • Overcoming the Barriers to Analytics
MA_welding

The MDM Market Analysis, based on data from MDM Analytics, includes consumption of welding gases & equipment products by end user in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, 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:

  • Destination: Mexico
  • Market Analysis: Power Tools Consumption in North America
  • MDM Pricing Trends Report: First Quarter 2015

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:

  • Improve Market Access to Unlock Potential
  • Destination: Mexico
  • Market Analysis: Power Tools Consumption in North America

Robert W. Baird & Co., in partnership with Modern Distribution Management, conducted a survey of about 500 distributors and manufacturers to gauge business trends and the outlook for the distribution industry in diverse sectors. Here is a summary of first-quarter results and distributor and manufacturer expectations for 2015.

This article includes:

  • Revenue, inventory and pricing expectations
  • Sector breakdown
  • Analysis of trends affecting sales and operating performance

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 Industrial Inflation Index
  • First Quarter 2015 Pricing Trends Report
  • 1Q2015 Financial Metrics & Trading Multiples

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

This report is researched and produced by MDM editors. View the Fourth Quarter 2014 & Annual 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. First quarter 2014 pricing levels are compared with first quarter 2015 and fourth quarter 2014 with first quarter 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.

Mexico

Because of its manufacturing strength, proximity to the U.S. and increasing acceptance of the distribution channel, Mexico has become an attractive market for distributors looking to expand internationally. Despite these compelling reasons, companies must be strategic when they head south of the border.

This article includes:

  • Benefits of expanding in Mexico
  • Opportunities for distributors
  • Negative aspects of doing business in Mexico

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: Minimizing Risk in Your Business
  • Strategic Options for Shipping Efficiency
  • Think Globally, Service Locally
MA_powertools

The MDM Market Analysis, based on data from MDM Analytics, includes consumption of power tools products by end user in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, 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:

  • Overcoming the Barriers to Analytics
  • Market Analysis: Cutting Tools Consumption in North America
  • MDM Pricing Trends Report: Fourth Quarter 2014 and Annual
shopkey-small

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

  • The percentage of companies with at least 10 percent of their total revenue from e-commerce grew 14 percent in 2014 from 2013.
  • Barriers to entry for deploying an e-commerce site have dropped significantly, allowing many more mid-market and small distributors to sell online.
  • The primary objectives among distributors for e-commerce remain acquiring new customers, enhancing their company brands and improving the user experience.
  • Distributor satisfaction with mobile enablement on their e-commerce site and mobile applications increased in 2014 from 2013, while satisfaction with mobile optimized websites remained the same.

This article examines the results of the 2015 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-integrated marketing approaches to support electronic shopping and buying. 

This article includes:

  • E-commerce top priorities
  • Satisfaction with e-commerce platforms
  • Implications for the future of e-commerce

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:

  • Overcoming the Barriers to Analytics
  • Grainger Tackles the Data Challenge
  • Historical E-Commerce Trends in Distribution

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:

  • AD Launches Bearings/Power Transmission Division to 'Fill Vacuum'
  • Use & Abuse of Customer Profitability Analytics
  • Market Analysis: Cutting Tools Consumption in North America
Disruptions such as natural disasters and the recent West Coast port slowdown — now resolved but still facing months of backlog cleanup — are pain points for any distributor with a global supply chain. And while no one can predict the next labor dispute or earthquake, companies can mitigate risk by preparing for ways to deal with unexpected threats.
How to Maintain Profit When Supplier Prices Rise

Price increases are a part of doing business. The challenge is getting sales reps and customers on board with the changes. This article offers a road map for getting buy-in from the sales team and, as a result, a better return on the price increase initiatives.This article is a summary of the MDM Webcast: How to Help Your Sales Team Execute Price Changes Successfully.

This article includes:

  • Providing the right information to sales reps
  • How to engage and train the sales team
  • Measuring the impact of price increase initiatives

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 Case for Proactive Inside Sales
  • Improve Market Access to Unlock Potential
  • Who's My Coach? The Changing Role of Sales Managers
analytics_abstract

Analytics tools are playing an increasingly important role in distribution. But many distributors recognize that they lack the capabilities to implement an effective analytic strategy in their businesses.

This article includes:

  • Dealing with ERP system problems
  • Hiring people with the right analytics skills
  • Considering software-as-a-service providers

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:

  • Grainger Tackles the Data Challenge
  • Use & Abuse of Customer Profitability Analytics
  • MDM Interview: Creating a Culture of Innovation

How SnapAV avoids disruption during Chinese New Year.

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:

  • Strategic Options for Shipping Efficiency
  • MDM Interview: Stellar Industrial's Strategic Focus
  • Mayer Electric: Protecting the Goose that Laid the Golden Egg

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

5 Ways to Digitally Transform Your Warehouse

In 5 Ways to Digitally Transform Your Warehouse, we break down common barriers to…

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…

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.