WESCO's acquisition of Anixter fueled fourth-quarter sales growth of nearly 100%, to $4.1 billion, while full-year sales increased by 48%, to $12.3 billion. WESCO was profitable in the quarter and full year, although both figures were down year over year.
Webinar: 2021 Manufacturing Trends This year is shaping up to be a year of advancement for US manufacturing. This on-demand webinar explores: how technology will help manufacturers this year, why a localized supply chain is gaining favor and what actions manufacturers must take to boost profitability now and in the future. Our panel of experts will offer new-year strategies and real-world examples of how best to succeed. Watch now
Business-to-business sellers intend to enhance e-commerce efficiency this year by increasing inventory control while also monitoring customer behaviors to improve agility, according to Digital Commerce 360 research. However, sellers say that significant challenges include having an adequate budget, integrating systems and finding skilled employees.
Exoskeletons can be helpful in industrial environments, but only if they're comfortable to wear, complement a ergonomics-focused safety program and match the needs of workers, write Karl Zelik and Matthew Marino of HeroWear. Exoskeletons are not one-size-fits-all gear, and you'll also need to consider how easy it is for employees to put on and take off the equipment.
The Death of Field Sales The days of large field-based sales teams are numbered for most organizations. Most customers don't want it and most businesses simply can't afford it! This book shows a better way to grow sales significantly faster than expenses, as we return to business as usual. Get the first four chapters FREE.
Sales enablement is often too focused on sellers and would benefit from a wider focus that also helps prospects buy more confidently, writes David Brock. Sales teams should be working with marketing teams and other departments to reach customers as they're doing product research, Brock writes.
[SmartFocus] Innovations in Supply Chain Retailers learned to pivot quickly in 2020 as shopper preferences evolved to embrace eCommerce, curbside pickup and buy-online, pick-up in store amid the pandemic. In this whitepaper, we look at how omnichannel technology and fulfillment services have become essential to retailers' success as they work to meet the needs of their customers and manage their supply chain. Read the whitepaper
Perspective can be lost when we forget the big picture, make problems bigger than they are, judge people and let emotions control us, writes Frank Sonnenberg. "While a dirty windshield hampers your ability to see the road effectively, you won't even know how much these mental filters distort your view of the world unless you take time to notice," he writes.
Humor can alleviate stress and help managers be more respected and approachable, say Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas of Stanford University's business school. They outline four humor personality types along with ways to keep humor from becoming offensive or self-deprecating.
NAW Institute Fellow Mark Dancer says, "Many distributors report a dramatic shift toward customer orders placed on e-commerce platforms. This trend has confirmed what many have said for several years: distributors must invest in modern e-commerce platforms to remain a viable source for meeting customer expectations. But is doing so enough? Is there a more vital lesson that many distributors are missing? Will distribution miss a critical opportunity for locking in unbreakable customer loyalty if they remain blind to the bigger picture?" Read more.
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!
Automation of accounts receivable workflows, including dynamic e-invoices and cash application technology, solves back office inefficiencies made worse by the coronavirus pandemic. Simplify order-to-cash processes with cloud-based, modular A/R Technology and concierge support from payment and treasury management experts. Make getting paid easy with NAW Trusted Partner Unified Payments Group.
