From how the threat of coronavirus COVID-19 might influence supply chains to insider insights on getting the most from digital platforms, MDM readers cast a wide net for industry wisdom in February. Follow the links to read more.
Are Online Marketplaces the Future of Distribution?
by: Elizabeth Galentine
Speakers at NAW 2020 Executive Summit: Innovate to Dominate urge distributors who have yet to embrace e-commerce to invest in digital platforms. There is plenty of room for growth in international B2B e-commerce, which is six times larger than the B2C market, noted Alibaba Group’s John Caplan. Read More.
Will the COVID-19 Coronavirus Infect the World’s Supply Chains?
by: Bridget McCrea
Companies are prioritizing distribution of medical supplies for those most in need or cutting electronics revenue forecasting due to the virus, while the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai survey has nearly nine out of 10 respondents predicting a direct impact on 2020 revenues. Read More.
Martin Supply’s Doug Ruggles on the Secret to Family-Owned Success
by: Thomas P. Gale
While this privately held industrial supplier with more than 300 employees may not be a Harvard Business School case study in management structure, the three-brother leadership team has managed to buck the odds of many third-generation businesses by nurturing an entrepreneurial culture in an 85-year-old company. Listen to Doug Ruggles share what’s worked to drive growth with a customer-centric solutions approach, with host Tom Gale. Read More.
8 Questions with Marisol Fernandez, W.I.S.E. Impact Award Winner
by: Elizabeth Galentine
The Industrial Supply Association’s Women Industrial Supply Executives recognized AD’s president of Industrial & Safety Division — U.S. with the award honoring those committed to advancing the development of women in the industrial channel at its fall conference. Read More.
4 Ways to Create a Human Resources Strategy
by: Bridget McCrea
Already a growing strategy for larger global firms, small- to mid-size distributors can benefit the business by bringing HR into overall company planning. Distributors can start by rethinking the HR department label, bringing HR into safety initiatives, ensuring the right leaders are in place and embedding employee relations into recruitment and selection. Read More.
