MDM readers are keeping abreast of shifting market dynamics that recognize technological investment is not the only factor contributing to disruption in distribution. MDM President Ian Heller kept an eye on Walmart for Business, while consultant Dave Haley made the case for extensive advanced planning when upgrading warehouse automation. MDM CEO Tom Gale painted the picture of what true leadership can look like in times of change. Follow the links below to read MDM’s most popular blogs from July.

1. Walmart for Business Shows B2B Aspirations and Google Builds a Retail Marketplace

MDM’s Ian Heller predicts Walmart will use its enormous capital, massive logistics platform and much-improved digital talent to pursue B2B distribution with a competitive and distinct marketplace — and sees Google as a potential counterpart for distributors looking to compete. Read More.

2. Distributors Struggle with Online Pricing

It’s incumbent on e-commerce and marketing people to collaborate with finance and sales to set online sales goals. By doing so, MDM’s Ian Heller says, distributors can build a business case to justify the investment. Read More.

3. Distributors Must Hang Together – or Hang Separately

If distributors don’t join forces — at least in terms of learning from each other, establishing common industry goals and wielding collective economic and political influence — then we’re setting up for a long, losing battle, says MDM’s Ian Heller. Distributors will be chewed up piecemeal as enormous and well-capitalized corporations take over the industry. Read More.

4. Leadership in the New Distribution Future

It’s easy to respond to threats distributors face by thinking there is some new technology or strategic initiative that will fix or make things better — an e-commerce platform or some other tech solution. These may offer immediate fixes or competitive advantage in the short term. But others will catch up, says MDM’s Tom Gale. Read More.

5. 4 Reasons Why Switching to an Automated Warehouse Management System Can Become an Epic Failure

Growing distribution companies that make critically needed investments in WMS too often see their teams struggle with the huge change new technology can bring to the operation, says consultant Dave Haley. In his experience, there are four steps distributors can take in advance of the project to better plan for the change and anticipate challenges that will inevitably arise. Read More.

Read MDM's Top Blogs from June 2019 here.