MDM’s most-read blogs of October ran the gamut, from five ways to close the gap on digital transformation to updated economic indicators to worker fatigue. Follow the links below to read more.

The Path to Distribution Growth Has Changed 

Today’s distributors struggle to compete, and it may be due to their own resistance to change, says Mike Marks of Indian River Consulting Group. Read More.

September 2019 M&A Roundup: Two Distributors Reshuffle Their Decks 

Two of the largest distributors on MDM’s 2019 Top Distributors List announced they are splitting out business units in September. And several other industrial distributors announced add-on deals during the month. Read More.

Move Fast to Digitize Your Business 

Five ways to close the gap on digital transformation from AgoNow’s Larry Davis include why it's beneficial to move quickly and how to add value for the end user. Read More.

Using Warehouse Management Tech to Combat Worker Fatigue 

From determining the right stocking position for high-moving inventory to establishing single put away and pick paths, a well-designed and implemented WMS can play a meaningful role for distributors facing warehouse worker fatigue, says PathGuide Technologies’ Eric Allais. Read More.

Market Continues to Show Signs of Slowdown 

Words such as “softening demand,” “sluggish,” and “margin pressure” peppered the most recent Baird Industrial Distribution Survey results, conducted quarterly in partnership with MDM. While revenue is still growing (2.4% year-over-year in Q3), distributors have, for months, been reflecting their concerns about the potential for an economic slowdown at the end of this year or into 2020. Indeed, growth decelerated 80 basis points versus last quarter’s survey, and fell below respondents’ 3.1% forecast. Read More.