As we enter the final 2 months of 2024, I am having many conversations with Industrial distributors and manufacturers about their into stock inventory positions. Industrial Channel growth rates have slowed from double digits % from April 2021 to April 2023 days and now are slightly down to at best flat (2023 vs 2024). Inflation and price increases have continued to climb … [Read more...] about Inventory Planning Approaches for Industrial in 2025
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Winning the HVACR Product Data Revolution
In June HVACRTrends hosted a webinar introducing the Trimble / Distributor Data Solutions (DDS) collaboration. The two companies shared what they are seeing in the construction trades and how data is being used, and will be used, to help companies operate more efficiently, more effectively, and as a tool to capture market share. Takeaways Two key takeaways from the session … [Read more...] about Winning the HVACR Product Data Revolution
SPAs, or Ship & Debit, can be Sales and Profit Drivers or Drags
SPAs, or "ship and debit" are special pricing agreements can be an important sales (or marketing, since price, theoretically, is a component of the marketing mix) tool. Over the past few years we've seen SPAs generate attention from technology companies (Interlyx, Enable, CMR, Vistex, TrulinX, and many of the ERP companies). All see the mantra of "digital transformation" as … [Read more...] about SPAs, or Ship & Debit, can be Sales and Profit Drivers or Drags
Structured Data, a Prerequisite for AI Industrial Manufacturers
In the realm of Industrial manufacturing, the potential of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be a competitive advantage. One of the critical components underpinning the effectiveness of AI is structured data. Structured data refers to organized information that is formatted for easy analysis and interpretation by machines. In the context of HVACR manufacturers, … [Read more...] about Structured Data, a Prerequisite for AI Industrial Manufacturers
Driving Share and Sales with Customer Loyalty Reward Programs
Industrial distributors and manufacturers are fighting to retain market share and seek growth in a challenging market. Typically, the most profitable strategy to strengthen, deepen and broaden opportunities within existing customers. An effective tool to achieving this is also a time-tested strategy for many Industrial distributors and some manufacturers ... contractor … [Read more...] about Driving Share and Sales with Customer Loyalty Reward Programs
ChatGPT, AI, Office, Teams and More Technology to Power Your Industrial Business
Within distribution there is a continuous, and increasing, call for distributors, manufacturers, and manufacturer representatives to “invest in technology.” And I would presume that companies are spending more on technology / digitalization than ever before. It may not show up in the IT budget, but marketing, pricing, sales, warehousing, manufacturing and other departments now … [Read more...] about ChatGPT, AI, Office, Teams and More Technology to Power Your Industrial Business
ERP … The Heart of Your Industrial Channel Business
There was a phrase years ago that is attributed to EF Hutton, which was a financial advisory firm that goes “when EF Hutton speaks, people listen.” The inference was that EF Hutton had a wide reach, and somewhat influence. The same goes for Epicor given how integral their Prophet 21 and Eclipse ERP platforms are for many HVACR distributors.So, when Frank Heenan, Global VP of … [Read more...] about ERP … The Heart of Your Industrial Channel Business
The Road to a New ERP System
Deciding on an ERP system is one of the most challenging decisions for an Industrial distributor given its impact on business operations … everything from easy of doing business, ability to integrate with other tools, access to information, cost (acquisition, maintenance, training, productivity) let alone it touches every person who interacts with a company … associates, … [Read more...] about The Road to a New ERP System
10 Tips for Recruiting Talented Candidates for the Industrial Channel
One of the areas where we hear companies are continuously challenged is recruiting quality people that have some experience with the Industrial industry and targeted product categories. It's usually not too difficult to find people with specific skill sets. The challenge is finding people with a combination of the right skill sets. And while recruitment is a challenge in … [Read more...] about 10 Tips for Recruiting Talented Candidates for the Industrial Channel
Driving Industrial Distributor Profitability Through Operational Efficiency
The past year has proven we are back to pre-pandemic industry growth rates and in many cases flat to single digit declines. Maintaining, and improving, net profitability in the face of slowing growth, increased cost structure, and stagnant (if not decreasing) margins, requires improved operational efficiency, inventory management, strategic price management, appropriate … [Read more...] about Driving Industrial Distributor Profitability Through Operational Efficiency
