Improvement is rarely something that’s done in leaps and bounds or fits and starts. Improvement must be a continuous, everyday process.  It’s something that you have your eye on every day.

The just-released 2022 study, sponsored by the Association Education Alliance, features data from 959 distribution companies representing more than 10,000 locations. ASA is one of 22 distribution-related associations that took part in the survey.

I am excited to begin a column for Supply House Times writing as a voice for manufacturer’s reps. I see this column as an opportunity to serve and build up our industry. I believe it is important for manufacturers' reps to strive to be better business people with healthy, robust companies, acting as first-class stewards of the products we represent.

We all realize the need for a robust online offering as eCommerce continues to be a growing share of the market. However, as the group discussed and debated the topic, we realized how much more complex the situation is currently.

LeadSmart Technologies, a leader in the cloud-based CRM, channel collaboration and business intelligence market, announced a technology partnership with NetPlus Alliance (NetPlus). Headquartered in Lockport New York, NetPlus is a buying group for industrial and construction supply distributors. LeadSmart will provide its innovative Channel Cloud SaaS product solutions to NetPlus’s membership of distributors, suppliers and independent manufacturers’ representatives throughout North America.

In the here and now, end-users want and need more information than ever. Although the information has changed — it is now slick, lean and coming at warp-speed — one thing remains the same: It is still being delivered to people’s doorsteps. It is being delivered to LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, because most consumers have moved to this neighborhood: Social media.

In working closely with hundreds of manufacturers to syndicate product content across increasingly diverse sales channels over the last several years, DDS found virtually every supplier was struggling to gauge how their product content is ultimately being displayed (not to mention how it is performing) across their partner websites. This digital shelf analysis has become a major sticking point for manufacturers in evaluating and improving their e-commerce and digital content efforts.

Buckle up for Part 2 as participants get into the nitty-gritty of technology, top threats to wholesale-distribution, plus the next-gen’s effect on the marketplace and consolidation.

Distributor Data Systems (DDS) announced the launch of its wholly redesigned website. The site’s updated design and messaging unveil new branding while clarifying the company’s solution offerings and directing visitors to the most relevant and efficient customer experience according to their needs.

While people fall year-round, the freezing season is the perfect time to think about fall prevention. Fall hazards such as slippery leaves, wet pavement and frozen water are common in the colder season. They can't be ignored, even when businesses are extremely busy. The injuries sustained from a fall can range from the bruised ego to death. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 5,333 fatal occupational injuries in the United States in 2019. Out of the 5,333 fatalities, approximately 900 or 17% of the total were the result of slips, trips and falls.