Operations | Industrial Distribution

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Want to Sell on Amazon? Weigh the Pros, Cons

Amazon provides small businesses many benefits, but the costs can be hard for some to absorb.

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Selling in 2020: Are You Really Committed?

With 2020 off-and-running, Paul Reilly discusses the mindset needed to make this sales year your best one ever.

Automatic Center Punch

The punch force, ranging from 13.5lbs. - 31.5lbs., can easily be adjusted with the simple turn of a knob, located on the handle.

In this July 11, 2012, file photo, John Arensmeyer, CEO of the advocacy group Small Business Majority, poses for a portrait at the Small Business Majority office in Washington. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act, known as the SECURE Act, won final congressional approval in the Senate last month and was signed into law by President Donald Trump. One of the bill's features makes it easier for small businesses to band together to offer 401(k) and other retirement plans.“ Most small businesses simply don’t have the funds or staff to offer and manage retirement plans,” said Arensmeyer.

Law Boosts Retirement Options

Only half the workers in companies with fewer than 50 employees have access to retirement benefits

In this July 18, 2019 file photo, speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi joins fellow Democrats and activists seeking better pay as the House approved legislation to raise the federal minimum wage for the first time in a decade — to $15 an hour, at the Capitol in Washington.

2020 Brings Higher Labor Costs for Small Biz

As of Jan. 1, there are higher minimum wages in a quarter of the states, and new federal overtime rules, along with several regional factors.

In this Dec. 17 photo, an Amazon robot sends a package down a chute, transporting packages from workers to chutes that are organized by zip code, at an Amazon warehouse facility in Goodyear, AZ. The tech giant is still rolling out new models descended from the Kiva line, including the Pegasus, a squarish vehicle with a conveyor belt on top that can be found working the early-morning shift at a warehouse in the Phoenix suburb of Goodyear.

Warehouse Workers Adapting to Robots

There are growing concerns that keeping up with the pace of the latest warehouse productivity technology is taking a toll on human workers' health, safety and morale.

In this April 9, 2018 file photo a cashier rings up a purchase at a store in Salem, NH.

Businesses Facing New Overtime Rules

The jobs most likely to be affected are shift supervisors or assistant managers at restaurants, retailers and manufacturing companies.

More Mfg Workers Have Degrees

40 percent of manufacturing workers reportedly now possess a college degree, compared to 20 percent in the early 1990s.

Quick Hits: Shakeup in Top 10 Workplaces

Employees are changing their tune on what constitutes a top workplace.

Impact Resistant Glasses

Smith & Wesson Safety Glasses also offer all-day comfort and edgy, contemporary designs.

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Compliance Amid the Rise of OSHA Inspections

You probably won’t know when a compliance and safety officer will come knocking, but you can be prepared.

Detect Motor Faults Using ESA

The ATPOL II is a tool designed for complete Electrical Signature Analysis (ESA) and Power Quality Analysis (PQA).

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Mfg. Capital Spending to Drop 2.1% in 2020

Though capital spending is forecasted to decrease, all 18 of ISM's manufacturing sectors forecast higher 2020 revenues than in 2019.

Warehouse Solutions Increase Worker Productivity

Zebra Technologies has announced a series of new warehouse offerings designed to optimize workflows, maximize productivity in the warehouse and improve employee onboarding.

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Screening Potential Employees: Do’s and Don’ts

With the change in technology, almost immediate access to background data and the proliferation of corporate ethics and compliance programs, the landscape for screening new employees has changed, especially in the last decade or so.

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Incumbent CEOs with New CFOs Earn More

Researchers studied 20+ years of data from S&P 1500 firms and found CEOs took home an average of 10% more compensation when working with a CFO who was hired after them.

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Overcoming the Pricing Dynamics Hindering Growth in MRO Distribution

Taking a closer look at how pricing decisions are made and how customer-specific price agreements are maintained.

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Holidays Bring Phishing Scam Surge Aimed at Small Business

While cybercriminals strike at any time of the year, they’re particularly active during the holiday and income tax filing seasons when computer users expect to see more emails.

OSHA’s 2019 Included Most Inspections in 4 Years

Federal OSHA conducted 33,401 inspections in fiscal 2019 — its most since 2015 — and provided training programs to a record number of employees.

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Are Trade Shows Still Worth It?

We’ve seen some serious marketing crimes committed at trade shows.

Paycom personnel monitor physical and IT security in the command center at the Oklahoma City Paycom campus Monday, Nov. 25, in Oklahoma City. Company officials say they ramped-up security after a disgruntled ex-worker began frightening employees with threatening messages and social media posts.

Fears over Worker Shootings Prompt New Business Tactics

As mass shootings have become frequent, more company leaders have confronted an absence of clear plans for protecting workers from a disgruntled colleague.

In this Oct. 28, 2017 file photo, the storefront window of a portrait studio is lit up along a downtown street at dusk in Lumberton, N.C. With a little over one month to go in 2019, small business owners should think about purchases or investments that make good business sense and will give them a break on their taxes.

Small Business Owners Still Have Time to Save on 2019 Taxes

Owners with available cash and a wish list should consider what equipment they need.

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ID In-Depth: The FAST Get Faster

ID profiles Fastenal and how its lean approach has led to the Winona, MN-based company to a practically intimate level of customer service.

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Study: Transition from Corded to Cordless Positively Shaping Assembly Fastening Tools Market

The global assembly fastening tools market value is expected to hit $4 billion by 2027, with the move to cordless products as a big driver. See insights from a new market report here.

Industrial Distribution's 2019 Big 50 List

You've seen our 2019 Big 50 countdown videos (and if not, you really should). Here, see the ID's 2019 Big 50 List in a concise, easy-reference format.

Industrial Distribution's 2019 Big 50 Countdown: 30-11

Presented by editors Anna Wells and Mike Hockett, see the second part of ID's 2019 Big 50 List video countdown, covering companies from No. 30 through 11.

Industrial Distribution's 2019 Big 50 Countdown: 50-31

Presented by editors Anna Wells and Mike Hockett, see the first part of ID's 2019 Big 50 List video countdown, covering companies from No. 50 through 31.

In this Nov. 28, 2018 file photo, people work in their office after the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is lit during the 86th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony in New York.

Holiday Staffing Issues a Big Stressor for Business Owners

Even companies that aren't retailers or restaurants can have a year-end busy season, just when employees all want to take time off.