Natalie Forster: From the Editor

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Cyber criminals often target distributors because they manage large B2B transactions, house valuable financial information, and sometimes use ERPs that are not up to date with modern security protection. Additionally, as infuriating as this is – cyber criminals know that distributors are essential to the supply chain, and are more likely to pay ransom in order to resume business operations quickly.

President Trump’s new 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico may raise prices on plumbing supplies. Stay alert for potential cost increases as trade practices shift.

In the past five years with Supply House Times, I've gained insights into the supply chain and the challenges faced by PHCP-PVF wholesalers and contractors. Following Nicole Krawcke’s departure from Plumbing & Mechanical, I am now the Editorial Director for both publications, which allows me to connect with everyone in the supply chain to enhance our collaboration.

The following list incudes the top 10 most-read articles from 2024 based on website traffic at Supplyht.com. If you missed any of these throughout the year, take a few minutes to read what all of the bustle was about.

Distributors are enhancing services to meet contractor needs, with innovations like text ordering, quick deliveries, and specialized training, fostering strong relationships and driving mutual success in a competitive market.

As an employer, it is first important that you understand your own and your employees' rights when it comes to Freedom of Speech in the workplace. 

As I am writing this column, thousands of people from the Florida coast up to the Carolinas are still stranded without power, drinking water or a safe way to access basic resources due to the catastrophic flooding brought on by Hurricane Helene. Many of these mountain towns destroyed by Helene are areas that already lacked resources and access. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a buzzword across industries. The global AI in Warehouse Management Market is projected to reach approximately USD 70 billion by 2033, up from USD 2.6 billion in 2023. Many companies are using AI for tasks like answering calls, generating marketing material, and managing inventory. AI will impact business operations, hiring, budgeting, and consumer behavior.

BNP Media’s Plumbing & Mechanical Media Group has received an APEX 2024 award for publication excellence for its 2023 Water Conservation, Quality & Safety eBook.

Research indicates that in the last two decades, the average human attention span has decreased from 12 seconds to 8.25 seconds, with Gen Z's being less than 8 seconds.