May 25, 2014 - Modern Distribution Management

May 25, 2014

Disruptive Technologies: The Rise of Robots in Distribution

Industry-watchers say that robotics technology is growing more sophisticated and can increasingly perform a wider range of tasks and collaborate with humans. This article examines the potential impact on distribution operations.

This article is part of MDM’s Disruptive Technologies Special Report.

This article includes:

  • Current applications for robotics
  • The growth of robotics
  • The business case for automation

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  • 3-D Printing Drives Supply Chain Shift
  • Bridging the Digital & Physical through Augmented Reality
  • Redefining Competitive Advantage

Disruptive Technologies: The Rise of Robots in Distribution Read More »

Commentary: Don’t Invest in Technology for Technology’s Sake

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  • The State of Analytics in Distribution: 2014
  • The Shifting Competitive Landscape in Distribution
  • The Disruptive Technologies Special Report

Commentary: Don’t Invest in Technology for Technology’s Sake Read More »

Disruptive Technologies: Behind the Drivers of Driverless Delivery

Of all the technologies explored in MDM’s Disruptive Technologies Special Report, drones and driverless cars are the least close to fruition. The technology is advancing quickly, but many obstacles stand in the way of a practical application for businesses.

This article is part of MDM’s Disruptive Technologies Special Report.

This article includes:

  • Drones in delivery and the warehouse
  • Carnegie-Mellon professor on the potential for & challenges facing driverless cars
  • Fleet-tracking software

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:

  • 3-D Printing Drives Supply Chain Shift
  • The Rise of Robots in Distribution
  • Redefining Competitive Advantage

Disruptive Technologies: Behind the Drivers of Driverless Delivery Read More »

Zandi: Economy to Pick Up Through 2015

Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, and Bradley Holcomb of the Institute for Supply Management provide their perspectives on economic conditions in 2014-2015.

This article includes:

  • Why Zandi is optimistic for 2014-2015
  • Raw material and commodity price impacts
  • Impact of uncertainty on the economy

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

  • MDM-Baird Quarterly Distribution Survey
  • MDM Pricing Trends Report
  • College Recruiting Best Practices

Zandi: Economy to Pick Up Through 2015 Read More »

Monthly Wholesale Trade Data: March 2014

Sales and inventories data for wholesaler-distributors in March 2014.

This article includes:

  • Wholesale trade revenues for durable and nondurable goods in March 2014
  • Monthly inventories/sales ratio for the industry
  • Sales & inventory trends for durable and nondurable goods

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

  • 1Q14 MDM-Baird Distribution Survey Results
  • 1Q14 MDM Pricing Trends Report
  • Building on Already Profitable Business

Monthly Wholesale Trade Data: March 2014 Read More »

Download this Issue in PDF: May 25, 2014

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

Table of Contents:

  • Disruptive Technologies Report: The Rise of Robots in Distribution
  • Commentary: Don't Invest in Technology for Technology's Sake
  • Disruptive Technologies Report: Behind the Drivers of Driverless Delivery
  • Zandi: Economy to Pick Up Through 2015
  • MDM Monthly Wholesale Trade Data: March 2014
  • MDM Inflation Index: April 2014
  • Amazon's "Wholesale Slaughter"? Not Exactly
  • News Digest

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

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

MDM Industrial Inflation Index: April 2014

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 1Q14 Pricing Trends Report
  • MDM Interview with Guy Blissett: Uncertainty + Change = Opportunity?
  • The State of Analytics in Distribution

MDM Industrial Inflation Index: April 2014 Read More »

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