Over the past few weeks distributors and manufacturers are reporting an uptick in their industrial business and, in some cases, a significant increase. The reasons vary from \"general optimism\" to the increase in oil rigs; from replacing / upgrading aging equipment to responding to the need for increased capacity; from consolidation of operations requiring investment in a … [Read more...] about Industrial Market Drivers, Can You Compete Differently
Technology & Digital
Affordable eCommerce for Smaller Distributors
As everyone knows, there has been much discussion regarding eCommerce and how it is \"vital\" for the survival of distributors. It\'s essential to compete against Amazon. And small distributors (<$25M) are dinosaurs, destined to become extinct because of their inability to invest in eCommerce. And at the same time we heard of eCommerce systems that cost hundreds of … [Read more...] about Affordable eCommerce for Smaller Distributors
Are you ready for the IoT?
Whether it is IoT or IIoT, the Internet of Things is all the rage. You can\'t pick up a trade publication without seeing an article on either topic. And in reality they are essentially the same with the only difference being the market segment with the IIoT focusing on the industrial market and IoT covering essentially all other segments. Lighting and lighting control … [Read more...] about Are you ready for the IoT?
“Can you hear me now?” – Verizon
Many may remember the Verizon commercials titled \"Can you hear me now?\" And while the spokesperson may have moved to Sprint and is focusing on price, the lighting industry may now be hearing Verizon calling. And electrical and lighting distributors may be hearing from a new competitor ... a new channel. While Verizon is known as a telecom company, it is also well known to … [Read more...] about “Can you hear me now?” – Verizon
Is Amazon An Alternate Channel or Just Meeting Customer Needs?
Yes, Amazon Business is a competitor to distributors. It is also an opportunity for manufacturers given that it represents an additional distribution channel to reach customers. Why? Because some customers desire to purchase through a different mode. Why are they not an alternative channel? Consider, how are they different than catalogers, distributors who sell online, … [Read more...] about Is Amazon An Alternate Channel or Just Meeting Customer Needs?
Customer Satisfaction vs Inventory Management
There are three functional responsibilities that are critical to the survival, and growth, of all distributors. They are business development (need more sales!), effective inventory management and collections (inferring that credit is provided). To achieve this companies need to be responsive to customers. A happy / satisfied customer represents the potential to be a repeat … [Read more...] about Customer Satisfaction vs Inventory Management
Grainger Q2 Earnings … Industrial slowdown continues
It\'s Q2 earning season, providing distributors (and manufacturers) with an opportunity to benchmark their performance, gain insights (or confirmation) on what they are seeing in the market and possibly learn a little from publicly held companies. First up is Grainger whose results reaffirm that the industrial slowdown continues, albeit it is no longer in free fall. Grainger … [Read more...] about Grainger Q2 Earnings … Industrial slowdown continues
