Distributors have handled pandemic-related challenges by adopting innovation, being adaptable and emphasizing human connection, executives from Cardinal Health, Grainger and Graybar said at the NAW 2021 Digital Summit. Debbie Weitzman, president of US pharmaceutical distribution at Cardinal Health, and D.G. Macpherson, chairman and CEO of Grainger, also discussed how their companies adjusted to handle increased demand for personal protective equipment.
Modern Distribution Management (tiered subscription model)
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See emerging commerce trends. Join us on March 3rd to hear the most surprising insights from Salesforce's State of Commerce report, as we reveal trends from nearly 1,400 commerce leaders and 1 billion customers. Register for the webinar
Distributors' e-commerce sites need to have artificial intelligence-based product recommendation engines that are built for the specific needs of B2B companies, writes Benj Cohen. "AI-generated product recommendations bridge channel gaps and create a shopping experience that helps customers find what they need," he writes.
The surge in e-commerce is benefiting Old Dominion Freight Line, Saia, ArcBest and other trucking companies that specialize in less-than-truckload shipping. The companies, which fill trailers with goods from several different companies, are generating more revenue, gaining pricing power and adding service centers to handle the additional business.
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Distributors can gain a competitive advantage by fulfilling customers' desires for product and service availability, timely delivery, reliability, smooth sales interactions and fair prices, writes Randy MacLean of WayPoint Analytics.
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
A layer of middle management can give employees a chance to grow into leadership roles and become mentors while providing the "glue" teams need to operate properly, say Bryan Hancock and Bill Schaninger of McKinsey. "These roles should be coveted and nurtured and curated, not eliminated," Schaninger says.
Walking meetings, standing presentations and "a quick shake-out" before a meeting are just a few ways to be more active during the workday, writes Lexie Thrash. "We all need a little lightness, joy, and reminder to connect with our body right now, even if it's only for a minute," she writes.
NAW and Distribution Strategy Group this week launched their 2021 free, seven-part series called, "Adding Value in a Post-Pandemic World: New Leadership Strategies for Distributors." We will focus on innovative ways for distributors to differentiate themselves from industry disruptors. Distributors will understand the challenges facing the industry over the next decade, and will be armed with new modes of thinking and information to build robust strategies with staying power. Each part includes a free research report to download and a free webinar to watch live and on demand. Register now for the first webinar on Tues., Feb. 23, at 2 p.m. EST. Sponsored by Oracle Netsuite.
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 between $100 million and up to $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!
Data is simply a bunch of information if it isn't integrated into your existing systems. NAW Trusted Partner, Creditsafe, invites you to join the discussion and learn how finance and credit professionals use integrated third-party data to lower costs, improve repayment and streamline operations all while adding value to finance, accounting, credit, collections, sales, and marketing departments.
