From a tech viewpoint, AI is what companies talk about. Distributors are implementing it or at least discussing it. Not much gets shared within the manufacturer environment but it is well in use. Independent manufacturer reps (IMRs) have also asked the question. Some have dappled. Few are advanced. Most are intrigued but lack expertise and/or are concerned about … [Read more...] about AI for Industrial Supply IMR’s
Keeping Your Staff Focused on the Core Issues to Drive Profitable Growth
Sometimes a conversation or an article from an author catches your eye. As we were reading some articles from Dr. Jeffrey Magee we thought it would be interesting to share an article from Dr. Magee to our Industrial Supply Trends readers on his sales perspectives. Dr. Magee is well known speaker and author of more than 30+ books and has been involved in the distribution … [Read more...] about Keeping Your Staff Focused on the Core Issues to Drive Profitable Growth
Beating the Industrial Distribution Competition with Speed
Recently I saw information promoted by a company called Mydatafactory as I saw ad advertorial written by them that intrigued me as it spoke to how industrial distribution could compete more effectively. Rarely do you see software companies that understand distributor issues. They typically understand the issue solely from the perspective of how their tool can help distributors. … [Read more...] about Beating the Industrial Distribution Competition with Speed
Competing, and Winning, in a Tariff Induced World
It appears the initial tariff volleys have ended and we’re in for trench warfare for the next 60-90 days while deals get negotiated. The Eastern front will remain volatile given neither party will whisper “uncle” given that China is launching asymmetrical warfare as it broadens the issue from goods to services (which was to be expected.) Given that the word “decoupling” is … [Read more...] about Competing, and Winning, in a Tariff Induced World
Q1 Pulse of Industrial Supply Survey Results are In
Industrial Supply Trends is pleased to introduce a new service to the industrial supply channel … our Pulse of Industrial Supply report. Launched last month, the Pulse of Industrial Supply, sponsored by William Blair, is a quarterly report. Each quarter we’ll survey distributors, manufacturers, and manufacturer representatives to gather insights into the past quarter, … [Read more...] about Q1 Pulse of Industrial Supply Survey Results are In
IST Update – Impact of Tariffs on Ship and Debit (SPA) Programs
When tariffs were announced in February, we cautioned that the best strategy for distributors was to focus on their processes so that they could facilitate passing through the price increases. Part of our guidance was to automate implementation of price increases, review T&Cs for quotes, contracts, and SPAs, and to communicate. In fact, back in December we shared with a … [Read more...] about IST Update – Impact of Tariffs on Ship and Debit (SPA) Programs
Copper, Steel, China and More About Tariffs
This month has been an interesting one as a content provider for the Industrial Channel and keeping up with the Tariff news has been a daily occurrence. We published a column in our sister ElectricalTrends.com publication this week that we wanted to share with our Industrial Supply Trends Readers. There are some tariffs we know (China, imported steel and aluminum) and then … [Read more...] about Copper, Steel, China and More About Tariffs
Pricing on Your Industrial Website
Warning … there are solutions to help you break through paralysis! We wanted to share this article and add takeways and comments. Dimtry Kon founder of Access Development Solutions who helps Channel Marketing Group Trends publications with our ecommerce initiatives and content at CMG. The Online Pricing Challenge It’s fascinating to watch distributors tackle digital … [Read more...] about Pricing on Your Industrial Website
Q1 Pulse of Industrial Supply Survey Now Open
The quarter started with bad weather in many parts of the country. From freezing cold to snow … and yes, snow in Florida, New Orleans, and Texas. While Mother Nature had her way the political winds from Washington, DC are also causing trepidation. Consider: Tariffs on China … Canada and Mexico On, then off, then on, then off / delayed, to now possible early April tariffs … [Read more...] about Q1 Pulse of Industrial Supply Survey Now Open
Industrial Distributors, Is eCommerce Important to Your Customers?
That’s the question many senior executives ask themselves regularly about eCommerce. They’ve invested much into their website. They’ve invested into product data. They’ve invested into people. They ask, does anyone care? Are we getting an ROI? I know I’m being, perhaps, a little facetious as intuitively many believe / understand that these investments are now expectations, … [Read more...] about Industrial Distributors, Is eCommerce Important to Your Customers?
