April 2020 - Modern Distribution Management

April 2020

coronavirus : man with protective mask and gloves drives the forklift

Coronavirus Accelerates Timeline for Changes at Stellar Industrial

The industrial distributor is encouraging a company-wide focus on opportunities to improve operational efficiencies, including making some COVID-19-induced changes permanent. President and CEO John Wiborg is also elevating ROI expectations from existing technology investments.

Coronavirus Accelerates Timeline for Changes at Stellar Industrial Read More »

‘Insane’ Shipping Costs and Timelines: Just How Bad is it Out There?

It’s Time for Take-Two of the Annual Manufacturer-Distributor Meeting for 2020

How manufacturers sell and how customers buy have undergone significant change in recent weeks, and it wont go back to the way it was three months ago. MDMs John Gunderson shares tips on how the B2B manufacturer can reset plans with reps, key distributors and end customers.

It’s Time for Take-Two of the Annual Manufacturer-Distributor Meeting for 2020 Read More »

How Import Volumes, Economic Drivers and Other Factors are Impacting the Shipping Crisis

Why COVID-19 Has Manufacturers Re-examining Their Distribution Channel Strategy

Coronavirus market upheaval has future-focused manufacturers stepping up communication with end customers and putting themselves in a position to make channel adjustments in the coming post-pandemic economy. MDMs John Gunderson shares how distribution channel partners can prepare for the change.

Why COVID-19 Has Manufacturers Re-examining Their Distribution Channel Strategy Read More »

How Can COVID-19 Change Distribution for the Better?

Future-focused distributors are embracing the market upheaval brought on by the coronavirus to strengthen their brands, step up communication with customers and suppliers and put themselves in a position of strength to thrive in the coming post-pandemic economy. Consultant Mark Dancer during Fridays MDM Live webcast shared several ways distributors can show leadership now.

How Can COVID-19 Change Distribution for the Better? Read More »

Motion & Control Enterprises Using Pandemic Slowdown to Accelerate Business Transformation

CEO Charley Hale shared during MDM Live how the fluid power distributor is making the most of a slower business environment to speed up its original 18-month plan to improve salesforce effectiveness and efficiency, enhance its e-commerce capabilities, and more.

Motion & Control Enterprises Using Pandemic Slowdown to Accelerate Business Transformation Read More »

7 Predictions for Distributors on Near-Term COVID-19 Economic Consequences

Industry consultants Mike Marks and Brent Grover shared accounts of distributors who are acting quickly to adjust their business models to reflect new coronavirus realities during MDMs weekly MDM Live COVID-19 impacts webcast. They described why transparency is paramount in making the most of employee, bank and supplier relationships during the pandemic.

7 Predictions for Distributors on Near-Term COVID-19 Economic Consequences Read More »

financial forecast showing graphs and stock market index

4 Causes of Forecast Error and How Distributors Can Avoid Them

Forecast error — the difference between forecast demand and actual demand — can negatively impact cash flow at a time when distributors want to conserve cash while dealing with coronavirus fallout. Reconsider relying on sales history alone, pre-determined inventory agreements, keeping rare items in stock and depending on sales reps to report market changes.

4 Causes of Forecast Error and How Distributors Can Avoid Them Read More »

Distribution Industry Wins and Losses in COVID-19 Stimulus Package and Regulations

NAW Chief Government Relations Officer Jade West discusses the industry associations effort to promote distributors as essential businesses and ensure distributors are not cut out of the supply chain, as well as ongoing initiatives such as financial support for distribution businesses with more than 500 employees.

Distribution Industry Wins and Losses in COVID-19 Stimulus Package and Regulations Read More »

Stock market graph global crisis couased by corona virus SARS-C

COVID-19: Distributors Take Hit in Late March, Move to Weather Q2

The coronavirus hit distribution hard in the second half of March, according to a first look at the latest MDM-Baird quarterly survey. And distributors are acting quickly to protect the balance sheet and cash flow. Heres a recap of Fridays MDM LIVE program, where panelists shared the latest numbers on how quickly distributor revenue is declining, as well as what distributors are doing now to stem losses and conserve cash.

COVID-19: Distributors Take Hit in Late March, Move to Weather Q2 Read More »

Ultimation Industries Grows Online Sales with Boost from Amazon Business

After initial success through its own website, the Michigan manufacturer first looked to broaden its customer base with a few items on Amazon about five years ago. CEO Jacqueline Canny explains how the e-commerce giant has helped to supplement Ultimations e-commerce expansion and bring in a wider audience for its conveyor technology and automation products.

Ultimation Industries Grows Online Sales with Boost from Amazon Business Read More »

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