Cardinal Health reported profit of $220 million on revenue of $39.7 billion for the fiscal second quarter ended Dec. 31. "This increase was driven by improved performance across our pharmaceutical segment, particularly within our generics program," says CEO Mike Kaufmann.
State of the Wholesale Supply Chain Industry in 2020 For the third straight year, Blue Ridge asked wholesale supply industry leaders about their challenges, how they're thinking about solving them and how they're dealing with the pace of technological change. One key finding for the 2020 survey is the adoption of new machine learning, such as A.I., is on the rise as a strategy to combat supply chain disruption. Get the report to read more.
Paying attention to the details of distribution agreements can help keep the relationship balanced and prevent acrimony, writes Glen Balzer. "If there is a paragraph outlining the duties and obligations of the distributor, there should also be a paragraph outlining the duties and obligations of the supplier," he writes.
Businesses are already using forms of artificial intelligence without realizing it, and the technology's potential is only increasing, says Proton.ai CEO Benjamin Cohen. "With AI, distributors can help flag missing items, create smart order kits, and remind contractors to make necessary re-orders," he says.
Inside sales and B2B telesales have proven effective with younger buyers, and savvy managers can do more to leverage their teams by changing some approaches and attitudes within their companies, writes sales executive Sabrina Ferraioli of 3D2B. She outlines several steps that can help lower costs and maximize sales.
Accessible leaders are coaches whose personalities evoke comfort and honesty in others, writes Scott Eblin. Availability is a separate leadership trait, honed by managing your time so you're able to commit to regular and unscheduled conversations in person and remotely, he writes.
"Customer Stratification: Best Practices for Boosting Profitability" is a first-of-its-kind study that provides groundbreaking research, best practices from 68 real wholesaler-distributors and 20 practical action steps ready to implement. Rather than focus on sales force communication, this cutting-edge research focuses on customer relationships and the value customers provide to distributors. It looks at four customer stratification dimensions: buying power, customer loyalty, profitability and cost-to-serve. Order now.
We are at a historically high level of merger-and-acquisition activity among wholesaler-distributors. "Mergers and Acquisitions for Distributors: Expert Advice for Buyers and Sellers" provides information that probably can't be found anywhere else as it navigates M&A in wholesale distribution. It covers the importance of getting professional guidance, selecting the best people to assist with M&A and bringing advisers into the buying or selling process as early as possible. Download our free pocket guide for a peek.
There's no denying the growth/demise ratio of Amazon versus brick-and-mortar operations. The "Amazon Effect" is causing businesses to literally shut down, leaving their creditors at a loss. NAW's strategic partner Cortera wants wholesaler-distributors to be ready. For a limited time, Cortera is offering wholesaler-distributors a complimentary Portfolio Analysis, CFO Report and unlimited Boost. Take advantage of this offer.
