CRM data sharing between independent manufacturer reps and manufacturers is a tricky, and touchy, issue. One of a rep's value propositions is local market knowledge as well as account / opportunity knowledge. No salesperson likes to let their "boss" know everything they know, but times have changed. The value in information sharing is significant and can help close sales … [Read more...] about CRM helps Reps and Manufacturers Succeed
Technology
Making AI Real Intelligence
AI has been all the rage since ChatGPT was unveiled. Not only is it the talk of every conversation relating to technology, price management, operational improvement, customer service, marketing and more, it has also powered the construction market with the explosion of data centers, advanced chip manufacturing, and, of course, the stock market. But, it’s impact to date is … [Read more...] about Making AI Real Intelligence
Is AI Coming to Your Industrial Warehouse?
The technology topic of the year in distribution has been, and will continue to be, AI. In reality, much of AI is really ML (machine learning) but it's not as "sexy" to talk about data being built into algorithms, to mine data and then deliver information, insights and/or potentially predict (or recommend) actions. The difference between AI and ML, from a theorist's viewpoint, … [Read more...] about Is AI Coming to Your Industrial Warehouse?
A changing MRO environment?
Recently I participated in a networking group that included a number of MRO buyers. The subject was trends in the MRO space. Granted many of the attendees were larger MRO buyers, but the feedback indicated a change in buyer purchasing behaviors. Over the years I've sat in a number of these meetings, albeit with different attendees. The buying and eCommerce trends centered … [Read more...] about A changing MRO environment?
