WESCO has realized greater-than-expected cost savings from its 2020 acquisition of Anixter, leading it to increase its savings expectations for the next three years. Sales synergies are also taking shape, the company says.

Electronics distributor Avnet is celebrating its centennial this year and "bouncing back" from pandemic-related challenges, CEO Phil Gallagher says. Gallagher became CEO in November.

Successful business transformation requires a forward-looking attitude that takes ownership of the change needed, said Peter Sheahan at the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors' 2021 Digital Summit. ""Our role as leadership teams is not to defend the past; it's to position our organizations for the future," he said.

The growth in e-commerce, automation and micro fulfillment centers has increased demand for high-quality pallets and pallet recycling and reuse, according to industry experts. "From manufacturers to distribution centers to stores, the goal is to keep the same pallets moving through the chain as much as possible to reduce unnecessary spending on new pallets," says Harmony Merwitz of Prime360.

The advantage of augmented reality providing risk-free service to employees and customers during the pandemic has given the technology a boost that's expected to carry forward over the next five years. The market value for AR products such as Microsoft's HoloLens and Alphabet's Glass will grow from $10 billion last year to $140 billion by 2025 as manufacturers and others explore new uses, according to a projection by Allied Business Intelligence.

It may be tempting to use monetary bonuses as a primary method of motivating salespeople, but it's not the most effective way to help sales teams reach greater heights, writes Austin Dunn. Instead, learn what motivates each individual specifically and use compensation plans as just one motivational tool instead of the main one, Dunn writes.

Marketers can generate more leads via social video by including clear calls to action and by using how-to or demonstration videos as gated content, Shane Barker writes. Employ search engine optimization to expand the reach of videos, use videos on landing pages and in emails, Barker also recommends.

Relatively simple mind games such as thinking about "If/then" scenarios, wondering "What if?" or walking through the "wish, outcome, obstacle and plan" process can yield benefits by yourself and with co-workers, writes Wally Bock. These exercises can help teams develop relationships and don't require in-person presence, Bock writes.

NAW has just completed its 7-part series, How Technology Will Transform Wholesale Distribution -- 7 free research reports and 7 free webinars, with Ian Heller and Jonathan Bein of Distribution Strategy Group. Based on new research conducted with wholesaler-distributors, manufacturers and distributor customers, this series provides the intelligence you need to formulate new strategies for 2021 and ensure that your company thrives through this era of technology disruption and transformation. If you missed any part of this series, you can catch up now.

During this 90-minute open discussion, you'll exchange ideas with a trusted network of C-suite peers in distribution. Companies belonging to this community are from firms that exceed $1 billion in annual sales. There is no formal agenda or speakers -- just you and more than a dozen of your friends in distribution discussing today's pressing issues. Last year, participants shared how they were protecting their employees during the pandemic and more. Don't miss this opportunity. Register today!

In NAW's just-released "Strategic Change During Disruption: An Industry Response to Get Smarter, Faster and Stronger," Ian Heller and Jonathan Bein will summarize what they learned through research conducted with distributors, suppliers and customers. They'll provide a roadmap forward: a specific set of recommendations on the strategic actions that the wholesale distribution industry -- and individual companies -- should take to fend off competitors, outflank the disruptors and prepare to take market share and improve profitability. Also watch the companion webinar on demand.