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Why We Can't All Get Along
May 10, 2013 | by Paul Glover, Founder of The Glover Group | Comments
Conflict and confrontation—I love them! As a “recovering” trial attorney, I view conflict as the natural course of events when two or more individuals or groups have ideas or interests that clash. This clash creates the tension that is necessary for a constructive change in an organization.
NAHAD Convention Sees Strong Turnout, Excellent Speaker
April 23, 2013 5:09 pm | by Jack Keough, Contributing Editor, Industrial Distribution | Comments
Jack Keough discusses the NAHAD convention's turnout and reacts to keynote speaker Andrew H....
Three Industry Norms That Lower Profits
March 21, 2013 9:45 am | by Curtis Alexander, Author and Business Growth Strategist | Comments
The road to a successful, growing, prosperous company is paved with contrarian moves which defy...
Weathering The ‘Perfect Storm’: Major E-Commerce Competitors In Industrial Distribution Market Just Ahead
March 13, 2013 3:24 pm | by Jim Tompkins, CEO of Tompkins International | Comments
Industrial distribution is at its biggest crossroads in history, and the “perfect storm” for...
Taxing Amazon: Will The Internet Retailer Be Forced To Charge Sales Tax?
May 17, 2013 11:13 am | by EditorA current bill finding its way through Congress is aimed at forcing internet retailers to collect sales tax from their customers, even when those customers live in a state where the store doesn't have a physcial presence. If this bill passes, giants like Amazon could be facing some big changes.
The Dos & Don’ts Of Selling To Customers In China: How to Avoid Getting Caught Between The Tiger & Dragon
May 10, 2013 4:48 pm | by Jim Tompkins, CEO, Tompkins InternationalYou may be debating whether or not to conduct business in China. Or perhaps your company has already entered the market in Asia and finding it to be a difficult path. There’s no doubt that China presents a huge opportunity through its growing class of consumers that are hungry for new products. But can you frame your selling propositions the same way you would for a North American sale?
Improving Inventory Management Through The Right Software & Systems
May 9, 2013 5:11 pm | by Dominic Telaro, Director of Industry Solutions, I.B.I.S.Inventory management has been at the forefront of most software systems since the early 1980s. You would think that after all these years we would be at a point where inventory accuracy would be a given. Well, think again! Thirty years later most companies cannot claim higher than 96% inventory Record Accuracy.
Kaman Restructuring Completed; Possibly Looking For More Acquisitions
May 8, 2013 9:38 am | by Jack Keough, Contributing Editor, Industrial DistributionJack Keough takes a closer look at Kaman Corporation on the heels of their restructuring efforts, uncovering their possible intentions to once again enter acquisition territory. The company indicated that it may be looking at acquisitions in the fluid power or electrical automation areas, both of which have been extremely beneficial for Kaman.
Challenging Lighting Environments
May 6, 2013 4:11 pm | by Rob Bresnahan, Larson Electronics LLCNot all operating environments are the same and the differences in a location's environmental characteristics can have a significant impact on how lighting equipment performs. Differences in humidity, wetness, and temperature ranges, the presence of corrosives, and the presence of flammable or explosive gases and vapors can pose a serious challenge for electrical lighting.
We Need More Vocational Training
May 1, 2013 3:40 pm | by Mike Collins, Author, Saving American ManufacturingA recent study of college graduates in Oregon shows that about 50% of the degrees were in arts, humanities, behavior, and social science, with an average salary from $35- to $40,000 per year. In the new economy, dominated by low pay service jobs, a college degree is often not needed, or leads to low starting wages.
Are You A Process Drone?
May 1, 2013 9:59 am | by Alan Nicol, Executive Member, AlanNicolSolutionsI’ve actually endured several arguments over the years from peers who firmly believe that a good process is one that works in spite of people. I understand the point of view, but cannot bring myself to agree. We do all the important things and drive an understanding that for us to build better processes and prevent variation and waste we must follow the process, even if it isn’t perfect.
The Dirty Dozen: Finding And Fixing Company Culture
April 30, 2013 10:04 am | by Steven Shaffer, President, Shaffer ConsultingIt’s no surprise then that one of the biggest impediments to a healthy business is poor organizational health, which stems from poor leadership. When a culture of blame and excuses permeates a company, it can paralyze it.
Beyond DSO: How Distributors Can Improve Customer Relations With Intelligent Accounts Receivable Management
April 29, 2013 9:40 am | by Mark Wilson, CEO, TermSyncAsking customers to pay their invoices can often be an uncomfortable situation for distribution executives and their finance teams. It’s often considered a necessary evil in the business world. What many distributors may not realize is that while the end goal of these interactions is to receive payments, they are also valuable opportunities to improve your customer relationships.
Technology Is A Good Thing, Right?
April 25, 2013 9:28 am | by Scott McGinty, Writer & Project ManagerSometimes technology can be unproven and untested. Actually, a lot of times technology can be unproven and untested. This is the first thing that you should be wary of on all projects is that you need the right tool, not all of them.
How Wearable Technology Is Transforming Facilities
April 19, 2013 9:24 am | by Mark Wheeler, Director of Supply Chain Solutions - North America, Motorola SolutionsMobile devices are necessary tools to increase the efficiency and productivity of workers across many industries and markets, including the warehouse. But wearable, voice-directed and multimodal mobile technologies are helping to transform the warehouse environment at an even faster pace than standard mobile tools in other markets.
Moving Beyond E-Commerce: How To Truly Leverage The Power Of The Internet
April 18, 2013 9:28 am | by Curtis Alexander, Author and Business Growth StrategistIf you are a distributor and you view the internet as simply a ‘product selling’ tool you’re missing its real power and, you accelerate the process of cementing your status as a commodity. The good news? Used correctly and strategically the internet gives you the ability to separate yourself from the pack, increase profits and market position.
Is Real Time Supply Chain Management Still Just a Dream?
April 14, 2013 3:51 pm | by Danielle M., Blogger & Business StudentSupply chain management has always been important, and it's a big part of any successful just-in-time delivery system. The dream of true real time management, alas, has remained elusive. New technology may finally bring the dream to life.
What's In A Name? Trademark Law Every Company Should Know
April 12, 2013 10:00 am | by Harry B. Ray, Sole Partner, Harry B. Ray & Associates, PLLCWithout question, marks used by a business to identify either its services (service marks) or its goods (trademarks) can be among its most valuable assets. Ironically, like goodwill, a value is seldom listed on the balance sheet of a business in connection with its marks.
Five Common Chemical Irritants In The Workplace
April 10, 2013 2:05 pm | by Grady Winston, Blogger & EntrepeneurInjuries can occur from lifting, straining or moving, but also from contact with irritants and chemicals in the warehouse or distribution center. The safety and security of employees should be the number one priority of any business. A manufacturer or distributor should pay particular attention to chemicals that could cause injury or illness, and take action to prevent any safety issues.
United Stationers Sees Growth In The Industrial Sector
April 10, 2013 9:42 am | by Jack Keough, Contributing Editor, Industrial DistributionSince its founding in 1922 as Utility Supply Company, United Stationers has long been known as a wholesaler of business products such as office supplies and furniture. However, in the past few years, United Stationers has emerged as a major player in the industrial and janitorial areas through its acquisitions of companies servicing those sectors.
Modern MRO Management
April 8, 2013 4:36 pm | by AmerisourceIndustrial, manufacturing and process organizations continuously require a number of parts for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO). Consequently, optimization of MRO processes is a permanent challenge faced by all plant managers and their teams.
GE To Buy Lufkin Industries For $3.1 Billion
April 8, 2013 9:17 am | by Jack Keough, Contributing Editor, Industrial DistributionLufkin manufactures and services a variety of pumps in its oilfield unit and also designs and manufactures heavy-duty enclosed gears for its power transmission business. The gears are used in oil-field and industrial applications and sold to a wide range of industries.
Last Chance: Provide Your Input On Key ID Research & Win An iPad Mini
April 5, 2013 9:36 am | by Anna Wells, Executive EditorWhat the Survey of Distributor Operations provides is a chance for our readers to take a look at the specific demographics, operational decisions, purchasing habits, and strategic plans of the readers of Industrial Distribution.
Replenishing The “Brain Drain”
April 3, 2013 9:25 am | by Paul Michalicka, Sales Manager, SKF USA Inc.It is a phenomenon that is referred to with a catchy rhyme: “the brain drain.” Older workers are leaving companies, taking their experience and knowledge with them. And, for various reasons, the reservoir is not being refilled at the same rate. Knowledge leaves, and the tank threatens to go dry.
