New tariffs and shifting trade policies are causing wholesale distributors to adapt through data-driven planning and supply chain risk management. Here’s how to maintain effective pricing strategies and meet customer obligations as the ground beneath you continues to move.
Accelerator-backed startup Avent aims to automate quotes and order entry for industrial distribution and manufacturing.
Second Generation Distributor Creates AI Sales Rep Startup Read More »
The employee feedback-based 2025 Top Workplaces list is out, which includes a ranked subset for distribution companies, segmented by size. Five are on MDM’s 2025 Top Distributors Lists.
Here’s Which Distributors Were Named 2025 Top Workplaces Read More »
Distributors face a critical choice between building custom software and adopting off-the-shelf solutions, each with distinct costs, risks and benefits. Here’s a guide for determining which path is right for your organization.
The Distributor Tech Dilemma: DIY vs. Off the Shelf Read More »
This issue’s content contains eight articles that include the last two parts of our Analytics Imperative series; benchmarking research on distributors’ AI adoption; research on distributors’ succession planning; our 2-part “Retooling Distribution for Digital series; a Market Profile on electrical component modules; and more.
MDM’s July Premium Monthly Issue Now Available Read More »
As two of America’s freight railroads move to merge, industrial supply chains could see both streamlined coast-to-coast shipping and reduced competitive alternatives in an increasingly consolidated market. Here are the key details and context distributors should be aware of.
See our breakdown of M&A activity by product category, the latest EBITDA trading multiples for 29 top industrial distributors and our detailed rundown of all deals we tracked during April-June, which remained subdued but improved throughout the quarter.
MDM’s 2Q25 M&A Report is Here Read More »
A thrilling future awaits wholesale distribution as AI-powered software redefines the industry at a pivotal moment. But vendors will have to play the opportunity right to take advantage. This piece examines how AI providers can meet the needs and expectations of distributors to become truly indispensable.
Revolutionizing Distribution with AI: What’s at Stake for Vendors Read More »
Our second quarter MarketPulse shares a wealth of data from the 2Q25 Baird-MDM Industrial Distribution Survey – conducted in early July – that covered respondents’ revenue performance, pricing updates and expectations for the current quarter and rest-of-year, plus plenty of commentary.
This year of tariffs has made it nearly impossible for distributors to rely on traditional planning cycles or manual cost tracking. This piece illustrates what a proactive distributor looks instead of one that just watches headlines.
Taming the Tariff Yo-Yo: Building the Muscle for 2026 Read More »
Now live, this issue’s content is packed a dozen articles that include the first three parts of our Analytics Imperative series; our three-part deep dive on LINC Systems; research on distributors decoupling from China; takeaways from two key SHIFT conference sessions; a Market Profile on Fluid Power; and more.
MDM’s June Premium Monthly Issue Now Available Read More »
The fifth and final section of this series focuses on implementation excellence — covering how to present prescriptive output for maximum adoption; align messaging across all channels; and create a culture of analytics-driven decision-making. It wraps with a conclusion that ties the whole series together.
How to Turn Analytics into an Organizational Muscle Read More »
Alongside MDM and NAW’s own research into how tariffs are impacting distributors, a pair of new reports share fresh statistics on wholesale trade’s outsized brunt of the economic burden from them.
New Reports Detail Tariffs’ Major Impact on SMBs in Wholesale Trade Read More »
See the 50+ events on MDM’s radar across July-December.
MDM’s 2025 Second Half Industry Events Preview Read More »
This deep dive traces the strategic components of LINC Systems’ service-first model and growth trajectory, as well as the key inflection points that created the fasteners distributor’s formula for success.
Now Available: MDM’s LINC Systems Case Study Report Read More »
The fourth installment of this five-part series addresses the critical human factors in analytics success, including overcoming skepticism, identifying high-judgment individuals, addressing self-imposed data access constraints and avoiding common pitfalls.
The Human Algorithm: Why Great Analytics Fail Without Great People Read More »
Many B2B distributors are falling short of buyer expectations online, and this analysis of new industry research reveals digital pain points and how you can close the gap to drive loyalty and repeat business.
What the Latest B2B Buyer Data Says About Digital Distribution in 2025 Read More »
The third of this five-part series details the technical architecture of a prescriptive analytics system, including parameterized rules engines, repeatable processes, cross-referencing capabilities and the role of AI as an accelerator.
The Analytics Prescriptive Engine: From Static Reports to Strategic Recommendations Read More »
In the fourth of a four-part series previewing new MDM research to be unveiled in a June 25 webcast, we explore how to apply scenario planning to stress-test your distribution strategy and build resilience for the future.
Futures Thinking: Why a Strategy Wind Tunnel is Vital Read More »
Many distributors have untapped opportunities to market and sell services that larger companies like Amazon and even OEM sellers largely do not provide. This second piece in a two-part series from Redwood Advisors examines why value-add services are critical to your organization and which ones might be the right fit for your team.
Beyond Products: The Rise of Value-Added Services Read More »
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