Late payments aren’t just a collections issue — they expose deeper breakdowns across distributors’ revenue lifecycle. This contributed article explores the operational causes behind delayed cash flow and how unified data, contract-driven billing and AI can help close the gap.
Late Payments: Key Causes, Consequences and How to Close the Gap Read More »
SHIFT 2026 delivered three days of candid conversations, practical insights and powerful leadership moments. Here, Mike Hockett shares what stood out most upon departing Denver.
Our Biggest Takeaways from SHIFT 2026, Where Change Management was Center Stage Read More »
Map My Customers’ JT Rimbey joins the MDM Amplify podcast to discuss the evolving role of field sales in distribution — exploring territory management, account segmentation, CRM adoption and why relationship-driven outside sales remains a critical competitive advantage despite growing digital buying trends and advances in AI-powered sales technology.
Podcast: Field Sales is Far From Dead – It’s Evolving Read More »
Our April issue contains articles that complete our deep dive Stellar Industrial Supply research on the state of pricing power; why manual cost updates are bleeding margin; a Fastenal financials analysis; our monthly MDM Forecast and M&A Roundup; a Wiring products Market Profile; and more.
MDM’s April Premium Monthly Issue Now Available Read More »
AI is reshaping B2B commerce faster than most distributors are prepared for. In this sponsored episode of the MDM Amplify Podcast, Tom McFadyen of McFadyen Digital breaks down AEO and AI-driven search, how to prioritize high-impact use cases and why agentic commerce could redefine how distributors compete in the years ahead.
Podcast: Tom McFadyen on How AI Is Reshaping B2B Commerce Read More »
The move positions the company as a full-service supply chain provider — raising the bar for delivery speed, integration and competition across distribution. Get the details here and our analysis of what it means for distributors.
See our breakdown of M&A activity by product category, the latest EBITDA trading multiples for 27 publicly traded industrial distributors; our latest Premium articles, which take deep dives into the M&A strategies of two prominent companies; and our detailed recap of dealmaking activity during January-March, which was the busiest three-month stretch since May-July 2024.
MDM’s 1Q26 M&A Report is Here Read More »
Does your ERP actually need replacing? This piece argues distributors should resist fear-driven upgrades and weigh timing, strategy and hidden migration risks — noting that modernization doesn’t always require a full system overhaul.
Do You Really Need to Move On From Your Legacy ERP? Read More »
This comprehensive MDM 2Q26 Forecast Report is a guide to the U.S. wholesale distribution economy, providing a historical, current and future snapshot of numerous key economic indicators in one convenient place along with our exclusive sector-specific forecasts for 19 different product categories.
Now Available: MDM’s 2Q26 Forecast Report Read More »
MDM’s 1Q26 MarketPulse Report consists of the quarterly results, analysis and commentary from the latest Baird-MDM Industrial Distribution Survey — conducted early April — that explored revenue performance, pricing and business expectations for the current quarter and rest-of-year. It includes a wealth of market-specific data and commentary from survey respondents.
Ludwig Meister Co-CEO Max Meister joins the Podcast to explain why innovation fails without execution — and why AI won’t fix bad data. We also preview his SHIFT main stage session on benchmarking digital, data, sales and culture maturity.
Podcast: Build the Back End First — Why Execution Beats Tech Any Day Read More »
Distribution always had rich data on new construction — but almost nothing on the market that’s already standing. The replacement and renovation market has been a data desert for decades. That’s starting to change with AI.
From Order-Takers to Demand Generators: Building Materials’ Next Shift Read More »
Most distributors track internal performance — but lack a clear view of market opportunity. As the first in a three-part series, this article outlines how market analytics reframes growth by defining markets, estimating share and identifying where opportunity is underdeveloped.
Distribution Market Analytics 101: What Building the Foundation Looks Like Read More »
AI, standards like ETIM and evolving PIM workflows are rapidly lowering the long-standing “product data tax” in distribution. Here’s how manufacturers and distributors are accelerating item onboarding, improving data quality and reshaping the economics of getting products to market.
ETIM, Supplier Sanity and the Distribution Data Tax Read More »
Most distributors let their reputation do the talking. But what happens when buyers are searching online before they ever pick up the phone? The latest MDM Podcast, featuring SHIFT speaker and IPS Packaging Marketing Manager Kevin Keigley, explores how brand storytelling is becoming a competitive edge.
MDM Podcast: Why Every Distributor Has a Story Worth Telling Read More »
Our March issue is packed with articles that complete our deep dives on distributors Singer Industrial and Ludwig Meister; advice from our 2026 Women in Distribution class; an inside analysis of Grainger Show; our monthly MDM Forecast and M&A Roundup; a Cutting Tools Market Profile; and more.
MDM’s March Premium Monthly Issue Now Available Read More »
In this sponsored MDM Amplify podcast episode, Canals Co-Founder and CTO Erez Arnon joins to unpack what MDM’s latest AI research reveals about customer service as one of distribution’s highest-impact use cases. Just as importantly, Arnon shares practical guidance on how to vet AI vendors in a crowded, hype-filled market, including key red flags and must-have proof points.
AI’s Customer Service Impacts, and How to Choose the Right Tech Partner Read More »
Winning the Race: Why Manual Cost Updates are Costing Distributors Millions Read More »
Ludwig Meister shows how disciplined sequencing — not flashy tech — drives real innovation. Authored by former longtime MDM CEO and Editor Tom Gale, this case study details how the German distributor built a data-driven, AI-enabled operation by prioritizing internal processes, clean data and execution before transforming sales and customer experience.
MDM’s Ludwig Meister Case Study Report Now Available Read More »
Most distributors aren’t failing at AI — they’re failing at data. This piece unpacks why 95% of GenAI efforts deliver no ROI, how agentic AI is changing workflows, and why a unified data foundation is becoming the real competitive edge.
The Data Problem Killing Your AI Investment Read More »
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