Articles of Interest

The Senate is currently considering the Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act, aimed at mapping and monitoring U.S. supply chains to address vulnerabilities, but industries can take proactive steps now without waiting for federal action. With the availability of tools like AI that can streamline operations by analyzing data to forecast needs, track assets, and anticipate problems. With AI, businesses can build resilient, agile supply chains that reduce risks from disruptions and ensure reliable customer service.

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Mike Marks, co-founder of Indian River Consulting Group, believes distributors need to stop weighing field sales reps’ time down with administrative work. Instead, distributors need to rethink how they can better use their resources. Distribution Strategy Group sat down with Marks to learn about how sales productivity impacts distributors’ profitability and productivity.

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OSHA’s updated standard on hazard communication (1910.1200) officially went into effect July 19th and now aligns with those of the seventh revision of the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals – better known as GHS. Richard Fairfax, former deputy assistant director at OSHA and now a principal consultant for the National Safety Council, discussed the standard and its recent updates during an episode of Safety+Health’s “On the Safe Side” podcast. This article covers some highlights from the interview.

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What is consistent about high-profit distributors is the mindset that they have control over their profitability. They analyze every operating metric – not just gross margins. In this article, Ian Heller shares White Cap’s story on its journey from negative EBITDA to 10%+.

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Jon Byrd explains the key signs that indicate your ERP system may need an upgrade to enhance efficiency and adapt to modern technological demands.

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Distributors are putting process automation in motion to improve their businesses – from streamlining the laborious returns process to optimizing the supply chain. Ian Heller spoke with experts in process automation for tips on how to identify opportunities for greater efficiencies, as well as what might be holding distributors back.

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Endries International has grown into a half-billion-dollar operation and is embracing AI and automation under the leadership of President and CEO Michael Knight to enhance services and operational efficiency. He joins Industrial Distribution to discuss how the company is deploying AI, and where it’s headed next.

Read & Watch Interview at Industrial Distribution

Force majeure and commercial impracticability clauses can safeguard against unforeseen disruptions, but it’s not foolproof. This article by attorney Vanessa Miller provides a definitive guide for B2B buyers and sellers.

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Many distributors are looking for ways to drive growth in a softer market. Providing value to customers with relevant data and expertise is an effective approach. Mike Kunkle explores the importance of a buyer-centric approach and how to effectively integrate insight selling to drive better outcomes.

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By focusing on these 4 practical, cost-effective strategies covered in this article by Jamie Veinot, manufacturers and distributors can not only mitigate the impact of labor shortages but also create a more efficient, accurate, and profitable warehouse operation.

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