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 »
MDM concludes its 2026 Women in Distribution series by spotlighting five leaders whose careers reflect the industry’s strength in talent development, customer focus and operational excellence.
Meet NAW’s 2026 Women in Distribution — Pt. 4 Read More »
MDM’s 2026 Women in Distribution series continues with five leaders whose careers reflect the industry’s growing global reach, strategic complexity and evolving leadership demands.
Meet NAW’s 2026 Women in Distribution — Pt. 3 Read More »
MDM continues its 2026 Women in Distribution series by spotlighting five honorees and leaders making an impact across the industry — from technology leadership to sales growth and organizational transformation.
Meet NAW’s 2026 Women in Distribution — Pt. 2 Read More »
Want your company to be considered and accurately ranked? We need its revenue info by March 31. The easiest way to submit it is via the survey linked in this blog.
LAST CALL: MDM 2026 Top Distributors Submissions are Due March 31 Read More »
MDM kicks off its 2026 Women in Distribution series by spotlighting five honorees and leaders making an impact across the industry — from supply chain innovation to operational transformation and team development.
Meet NAW’s 2026 Women in Distribution — Pt. 1 Read More »
Unified commerce platforms paired with agentic AI are helping distributors eliminate “phantom margin loss,” optimize fulfillment and unlock real-time decision-making — shifting operations from reactive workflows to autonomous, profit-driven systems that boost growth, efficiency and customer experience at scale. This piece explores the work being done here and the factors at play that determine success rates.
Unified Commerce and Agentic AI: A New Blueprint for Profitable Growth Read More »
CRM implementations often fail for a simple reason — sales teams don’t see personal value in using them. This contributed piece explores how distributors can shift CRM from a management reporting tool into a sales advantage that reps actually want to use.
What’s in it for Me? Driving CRM Adoption Without Forcing It Read More »
Presented by MDM and recognizing a collection of women pivotal to their company’s growth, innovation and leadership, see our class of 20 honorees, to be followed by a series of profile articles.
Presenting NAW’s 2026 Women in Distribution Honorees Read More »
The strategic shift comes alongside what UPS describes as the largest network reconfiguration in its 118-year history. Here’s the key details and what distributors should watch for.
UPS Leaning into B2B Opportunity Amid Amazon Reduction Read More »
Our February issue is packed with articles covering special pricing agreement management; our exclusive research on workforce challenges, distributors’ share of digital sales and tariff-driven sourcing adjustments; DNOW’s ERP transition headaches; inside Singer Industrial’s “coordinated autonomy” operating model; a Grainger financials deep dive; our February M&A roundup; a hose products market snapshot; and more.
MDM’s February Premium Monthly Issue Now Available Read More »
Supply chains built on fragmented systems and manual processes can’t keep pace with rising complexity. This article outlines a practical roadmap to supply chain autonomy — from unified data and system integration to intelligent automation that boosts visibility, resilience and operational performance.
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