January 25, 2014 - Modern Distribution Management

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January 25, 2014

4Q13 MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Sales Growth Better Than Expected

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. This article provides a summary of fourth-quarter results and distributor and manufacturer expectations for 2014.

This article includes:

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

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Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • 10 Distribution Trends to Watch in 2014
  • Profits in a Year of Strong Growth
  • Special Report: The Industrial Vending Boom

4Q13 MDM-Baird Distribution Survey: Sales Growth Better Than Expected Read More »

Commentary: Mind the Analytics Gap

Where there are gaps, there are opportunities. MDM’s research on the state of analytics in wholesale distribution identified clear gaps across analytics technology, talent and techniques. This perspective from Publisher Tom Gale talks about why you should think about a strategy and plan for analytics.

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Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • The Rise of 'Little Data' in Distribution
  • Minding the Gap Between Data and Action
  • Commentary: Better Data, Better Analytics/li>

Commentary: Mind the Analytics Gap Read More »

MDM Industrial Inflation Index: December 2013

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:

  • MDM 4Q13 & Annual Pricing Trends Report
  • MDM Interview with Guy Blissett: Uncertainty + Change = Opportunity?
  • Auto Industrys Return from Collapse

MDM Industrial Inflation Index: December 2013 Read More »

Monthly Wholesale Trade Data: November 2013

Sales and inventories data for wholesaler-distributors in November 2013.

This article includes:

  • Wholesale trade revenues for durable and nondurable goods in November 2013
  • Monthly inventories/sales ratio for the industry
  • Sales & inventory trends for durable and nondurable goods

Subscribers should log-in below to read this article.

Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following articles:

  • 4Q13 MDM-Baird Distribution Survey Results
  • 4Q13 and Annual MDM Pricing Trends Report
  • Building on Already Profitable Business

Monthly Wholesale Trade Data: November 2013 Read More »

MDM Pricing Trends Report: Fourth Quarter 2013 and Annual

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

This report is researched and produced by MDM editors. View the Third Quarter 2013 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. Fourth quarter 2012 pricing levels are compared with fourth quarter 2013, third quarter 2013 with fourth quarter 2013, and end of year 2012 with end of year 2013.

To view this report, log-in and click on Download pdf below the product listing.

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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.

MDM Pricing Trends Report: Fourth Quarter 2013 and Annual Read More »

Download this Issue in PDF: Jan. 25, 2014

This is the PDF of this issue of Modern Distribution Management.

Table of Contents:

  • 4Q13 MDM-Baird Survey: Sales Growth Better Than Expected
  • Commentary: Mind the Analytics Gap
  • The State of Analytics in Distribution: 2014
  • MDM Pricing Trends Report: Fourth Quarter 2013 and Annual
  • Monthly Wholesale Trade Data: November 2013
  • MDM Industrial Inflation Index: December 2013
  • News Digest

Are you a subscriber? Simply log-in to view this issue.

Download this Issue in PDF: Jan. 25, 2014 Read More »

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