Amazon has been announcing delivery stations across the US, including in Washington state, Georgia, Texas and California, to help speed up deliveries and make the process more efficient. The facilities typically top out at 250,000 square feet, smaller than a full-size regional distribution center, and are set up as the last stop before delivery.

A Hy-Vee store in Rochester, Minn., will soon offer a 1,200-square-foot kiosk for shoppers to use when picking up online orders. The grocer recently filed plans with the city for building the kiosk as part of its Aisles Online e-commerce program, and Hy-Vee spokeswoman Christina Gayman said similar kiosks could soon be in use at other stores in the eight states Hy-Vee serves.

Procurement departments can build trust with finance departments by including their representatives in internal relationship-building sessions, Rich Weissman writes. Weissman explores this step and others that can reduce the traditional antagonism between finance and procurement in ways that pay off, including improved ties with suppliers through speedier payment processing.

Embracing defensive best practices can cut down on insider threats to data security, writes Teramind executive Isaac Kohen. Kohen outlines four steps, including insisting that only company-issued devices be allowed at work, which he calls "a better and more holistic approach."

Sales teams and personnel often look for helpful "hacks" that can save time and improve efficiency, but these tricks can only be used to build upon sales fundamentals, not to replace them. Every salesperson must know how to separate leads from opportunities, define an ideal customer and map the buyer's process to the existing sales process, writes Alex Newmann.

Distributors can get better results from their marketing efforts by outsourcing functions such as web and graphic design and by hiring consultants knowledgeable in Google Ads, email and other areas, writes marketing consultant Cathy Veri. She also recommends twice-a-year training for marketing staff.

Research suggests women's leadership, particularly during the pandemic, is better than men's on most measures, and John Baldoni offers advice from female leaders about women's advancement, including having a clear goal, finding mentors and using their voice. "Women leaders should be willing to speak up and be heard in important discussions, even when it is difficult," says Shannon Polson, author and former Army helicopter pilot.

David Bauders, CEO of SPARXiQ, says, "It's no secret that for years most distributors have neglected core sales skills training for their sellers. Today, however, the internet, e-commerce, and online resources and communities have enabled a clear shift in buyer behaviors. Most buyers can readily find the information they need and order online, without engaging a seller until late in the buying process. Fundamentally, buyers don't want to talk to sellers about product or application information unless the purchase is new, complex or risky." Read his post.

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