Technology is all around us, and it’s changing the world we live in. It’s already impacting the Collision Repair Industry. From crash avoidance technology to autonomous vehicles, technology is making its mark on the automotive industry. All indications are that this trend will continue to gain momentum. Not only will technology impact the way vehicles are repaired, it’ll change how products are distributed.
We’ve all heard the phrase: The definition of insanity is doing something over & over again and expecting different results. We know it’s a true statement, yet we persist in doing things the same way year after year—hoping we’ll make more money and operate more efficiently.
Change is hard – and technology changes how we’re used to doing things—but if we want solutions to shrinking profit margins, revolving customer doors, and inefficiency, we must be open to new ways of doing things, or we may be left behind.
It’s smart to look at other industries & how they’ve used technology to impact their businesses and increase sales. Similar strategies may impact your industry, if they haven’t already.
We’re going to look at a few companies to see 3 ways technology has changed the way those businesses operate—particularly with Distribution.
IoT IN DISTRIBUTION
IoT – the Internet of Things. What exactly is that? Simply put, IoT is a giant network of connected “things” people-people, people-things, and things-things. This includes everything from cellphones and coffee makers, to the components of machines, such as a jet engine of an airplane or the drill of an oil rig1.
Business Insider’s Intelligence — a research service, predicts there will be more than 24 billion IoT devices on Earth by 2020. That’s approximately four devices for every human being on the planet. Businesses will be the top adopter of these solutions because they lower operating costs, increase productivity, help companies to expand to new markets and develop new products2.
The new rule for the future is going to be, “Anything that can be connected, will be connected.” To stay competitive, your business will need to embrace IoT.
Vending Machines Impact on Industrial Supply
A IoT case in point is Fastenal, a company that began with 2 prototype vending machines in 2008 that were powered by software. At that time, this type of technology was only adopted by a small minority of facilities3. Fast forward to the first quarter of 2017, where Fastenal reported over 64,000 installed machines (not including leased lockers)4.
Other companies, such as Grainger and MSC Industrial Supply, have also adopted, and vending machines in industrial spaces have become a widely accepted way to house, track, and dispense products.
This is largely due to increased productivity (machines at the point-of-use shortened the distance a worker traveled between their work space & where they got their products), automated ordering (orders filled from their website), reduced deliveries, and worker accountability (by utilizing the machine’s software functions, managers could track who removed a product & when they removed it.)
An added benefit found by distributors was that they could defend their business by controlling which products were housed in the machines—therefore, keeping competitors out. They found that the system worked to grow their business, saved their customers money, and made the plants more productive567.
EFFICIENT LOGISTICS
Technology is also impacting distribution logistics. Distribution Logistics involves the flow of products—the planning, design, coordination, management and improvement of the processes of moving goods and resources8.
Let’s look at how Amazon used technology to change the way America gets products.
Digital Commerce
Amazon’s founding idea was: “Digital commerce will radically reshape our marketplace.” CEO Jeff Bezos wasn’t afraid to take risks and utilize technology to realize that vision—and it’s worked. Amazon has become an online powerhouse—causing the market value of former retail giants to plunge.
Over the last 10 years, stores like Sears saw a 96% drop in value; Macy’s was down 55%, Best Buy down 54%–while Amazon’s value climbed 1,934%. Only Walmart, who has made great strides in its online presence, has been able to fight the downward spiral – logging only a 1% loss9.
What caused such a huge decline in the retail world?
Somewhere along the line, Amazon totally changed the logistics of how America gets products: The old shopping model where Jane goes to the Mall & shops for 3 hours—coming home with a blender—has been replaced by Jane logging onto Amazon, deciding on a Fitbit –and in 4 clicks, she’s done & on to her spinning class.
Meanwhile, Amazon’s distribution behemoth takes over & has that device to her in 2 days or less. We used to go get the product—now that product comes to us. Those stores that are still waiting for shoppers to visit their Brick & Mortar establishments are being forced to close some locations.
Among those closing over 4000 stores in 2017 are: Sears, Macys, JC Penney, Gander Mountain & CVS. They either couldn’t keep up with the ecommerce competition or they got into the online game too late11.
And Amazon continues to ramp up their Distribution methods—investing heavily in regional warehouses and information technology. They’ve introduced one hour, same day, Sunday, and even drone deliveries–All powered by the willingness to harness technology to manage their distribution processes10.
INCREASED SALES BY LEVERAGING DATA
A third area where technology is making inroads is in the field of Data Analytics. Understanding how to profit using information from data is a new concept for a lot of businesses. And the demand for Data Scientists is rising as the corporate world realizes the advantage they’d have in the marketplace if they could read and interpret the data they already have in their current systems.
Can you imagine knowing exactly what needs to be done to increase sales or which processes to change to improve cycle time?
Amazon has been leveraging data for years to increase sales by marketing exactly what you want on any given day. And they’re good at it—so good that it sometimes feels like you’re being studied. Have you ever been searching on Amazon for a product, and you leave the site to check Facebook or read an article? How strange is it when you see ads pop up across your Facebook feed pitching the exact products you were just searching for on Amazon? You glance over your shoulder to see if they have a hidden camera watching your browsing habits.
Data that predicts purchases
Amazon doesn’t have a physical camera in your house—but what they do have is a comprehensive collaborative filtering engine (CFE). It analyzes your previous purchases, what’s in your shopping cart, & which products you search for the most. It then uses that data to recommend additional purchases both on Amazon & other sites. This method has increased the company’s revenue by almost 30% each year12.
Data that grows your business
This example is only a fraction of the way Amazon utilizes information. And they’re just one of many companies using data to grow their business. What they’re doing shows you how valuable future data could be to your business. You could know which employee is the most efficient. You could predict which products would fly off your shelves. And you could increase your bottom line by knowing which changes need to be made in your business.
Technology is a big part of the future of distribution, along with other areas within the collision repair industry. Early adopters will find themselves ahead of their competition.
Becoming comfortable with the new technologies can sometimes be daunting. But when you look at the advantages, it should encourage you to get on board. In an industry that’s fighting shrinking margins & scrambling to defend their businesses, it’s good news that there are innovators developing ways to connect your business to the internet. Through smart software, it’s become possible to streamline your processes, automate the ordering process of your materials, improve cycle times—just to name a few.
When you add the value of predictive data’s ability to help you improve profit margins and make your business more efficient, it’s a winning combination.
If you’re interested in innovative technology available for your Shops today, check out LeanTec Inventory Management Systems—a cloud-based system that marries smart software & hardware together. It increases material profits as it secures & tracks your products and automates the ordering process–all while providing data and customizable reports. To learn more, explore this website or go to https://www.leantec.com
Resources:
2 http://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-the-internet-of-things-definition-2016-8
3 http://investor.fastenal.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=927626
4 http://investor.fastenal.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=1021059
5 https://www.fastenal.com/en/9/fast-solutions-vending-
6 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npfF4cdFKFo
8 http://smallbusiness.chron.com/logistics-differ-distribution-77542.html
9 http://www.visualcapitalist.com/extraordinary-size-amazon-one-chart/
11 http://clark.com/shopping-retail/major-retailers-closing-2017/
Ahaa, its gopd discussion about this post at this place at this wweb site, I have read all that,
so at this time me also commenting at this place.
My website … türkçe anime izle
Hi there! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new apple iphone!
Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to
all your posts! Carry on the outstanding work!
Look at my website – Katia
my blog – Daycare Near Me By State
Hey! Quick question that’s completely off topic.
Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
My blog looks weird when browsing from my apple iphone.
I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to fix this issue.
If you have any recommendations, please share. Thank you! https://www.kenpoguy.com/phasickombatives/profile.php?id=2197431
Normally I do not read article on blogs, however I wish to
say that this write-up very forced me to take a look at and do it!
Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, very great post.
Review my site; find out here now
Ощутите все грани вкуса с доставкой фуршетных закусок от нашей компании!
Наши разнообразные блюда готовятся по
собственным рецептам. Наши опытные повара повара готовят их с заботой и вниманием, чтобы вы могли насладиться самыми изысканными вкусами и ароматами.
Доставка осуществляется в удобное для Вас время, а
наши курьеры всегда вежливы и пунктуальны.
Мы работаем только с надежными поставщиками, поэтому можем гарантировать свежесть и качество
нашей продукции, вы можете всегда заказать доставка фуршетных закусок казань.
Выберите свой идеальный фуршет из нашего меню, и мы с радостью поможем
вам организовать незабываемую вечеринку или деловой обед.
Сделайте свой праздник еще ярче с доставкой фуршетных закусок!
Neat blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from
somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog jump out.
Please let me know where you got your design. With thanks
My website :: search engine marketing
I all the time emailed this weblog post page to all
my associates, since if like to read it after that my friends will too.
My webpage nerve fresh reviews and complaints
Ten Replacement Volkswagen Keys That Really Change Your Life volkswagen lost key replacement (Pearlene)
Right now it appears like WordPress is the best blogging platform out there right now.
(from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
Also visit my blog post; izolasyonlu depo çadırı
Hi there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using
for this site? I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers
and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform.
I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
Stop by my web-site: jilislot
I’m gone to tell my little brother, that he should also pay a visit this blog on regular basis
to obtain updated from most up-to-date information.
my homepage :: look at here
A seasoned brain injury attorney california injury lawyer may have
the ability to aid.
Your mode of telling all in this paragraph is in fact
nice, all can without difficulty know it, Thanks a lot.
Take a look at my web site; Alejandra
Because the admin of this web page is working, no doubt very shortly it will be well-known, due to its
quality contents. http://k20center.oucreate.com/okhs-wiki/User:KathleenE91
Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with
Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to
rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results.
If you know of any please share. Appreciate it!
Check out my web site; gangbang indo
Wonderful site. Lots of useful info here. I am sending it to a few buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious.
And certainly, thank you to your effort!
Also visit my homepage :: xm registration
Hi there to all, as I am in fact eager of reading this blog’s post to be updated daily.
It includes nice data.
my homepage: mega888
This site is involved in illegal activities by sharing child pornography.
It must be reported and not visited.
Feel free to visit my site child porn
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I
find this topic to be actually something that I think
I would never understand. It seems too complex and
extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang
of it!
Take a look at my blog post Amazon EC2 Virtual Machine
bookmarked!!, I like your site!
Also visit my site: bandar toto macau
en guvenilir slot siteleri: slot oyunlar? siteleri – deneme bonusu veren slot siteleri
Howdy! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could get
a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform
as yours and I’m having trouble finding one? Thanks a lot!
Look into my site; sex indo viral
Thanks for finally writing about > 3 Ways Technology is Impacting Distribution Hedin Bil
I’m not positive the place you are getting your information, but great topic.
I must spend a while finding out much more or understanding more.
Thank you for magnificent info I used to be in search of this info for my mission.
my blog post – Amazon EC2 Virtual Machine
Appreciate the recommendation. Will try it out.
Stop by my page; Cirugía reconstructiva
Перечень аппаратов располагается в привычном для
постоянного гостя формате и порядке.
my web site – вулкан вход
I visited various web pages however the audio quality for audio songs current at this website is truly excellent.
Here is my page – Amazon Machine Image
Awesome post.
Here is my website AWS Windows AMI
en iyi slot siteler: deneme bonusu veren slot siteleri – bonus veren slot siteleri
купить страпон дешево
https://sex-blog-info.space
игрушки вагины купить
If you are going for finest contents like myself, just visit this web page all the time because it offers feature contents, thanks
Here is my web page – EC2 Linux AMI
Simply wish to say your article is as amazing.
The clarity in your post is simply nice and i could assume you are an expert on this subject.
Fine with your permission allow me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post.
Thanks a million and please carry on the enjoyable work.
Take a look at my webpage – Delbert
Aw, this was a very nice post. Spending some time and actual effort to produce a very good article… but
what can I say… I hesitate a lot and don’t seem to get anything done.
Also visit my web page :: buybest4u
Good response in return of this issue with real arguments and telling the whole thing regarding
that.
My page: br fee 2023/24
17 Reasons Why You Should Ignore Fiat 500 Key Fob Replacement
How Much Is A New Fiat 500 Key
Howdy! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog.
Is it very hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick.
I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure
where to start. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Appreciate it
Also visit my blog: Amazon AMI
Hi, its nice article about media print, we all know media is a great source
of information.
My webpage :: Pinterest
http://sweetbonanza.network/# guncel sweet bonanza
whoah this weblog is excellent i love reading your posts.
Keep up the good work! You understand, many people are hunting
around for this information, you could aid them greatly.
Here is my blog – Pinterest
В редких случаях клиентам казино вулкан официальный сайт Вулкан онлайн выдается несколько бонусов одновременно.
When someone writes an paragraph he/she retains the thought of a user in his/her brain that how a user can understand it.
Thus that’s why this article is perfect. Thanks!
Here is my webpage … Mandy
I do not know whether it’s just me or if everybody
else encountering issues with your site. It looks like some of the written text in your posts are running off
the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this
is happening to them as well? This may be a problem
with my web browser because I’ve had this happen previously.
Kudos
Have a look at my page :: japanese massage episode onlin
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add
to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe
you would have some experience with something like this.
Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your
new updates.
My web-site – เข้าสู่ระบบSexyBaccarat
Se stai cercando un’esperienza di gioco emozionante e sicura, ninecasino e la scelta giusta per te. Con un’interfaccia user-friendly e un login semplice, Nine Casino offre un’ampia gamma di giochi che soddisferanno tutti i gusti. Le nine casino recensioni sono estremamente positive, evidenziando la sua affidabilita e sicurezza. Molti giocatori apprezzano le nine casino prelievo, che sono rapide e sicure.
Uno dei punti di forza di Nine Casino e il suo generoso bonus di benvenuto, che permette ai nuovi giocatori di iniziare con un vantaggio. Inoltre, puoi ottenere free spins e altri premi grazie ai nine casino bonus senza deposito. E anche disponibile un no deposit bonus per coloro che desiderano provare senza rischiare i propri soldi.
Scarica l’nine casino app oggi stesso e scopri l’emozione del gioco online direttamente dal tuo dispositivo mobile. Il download dell’app di Nine Casino e semplice e veloce, permettendoti di giocare ovunque ti trovi. Molti si chiedono, “nine casino e sicuro?” La risposta e si: ninecasino e completamente legale in Italia e garantisce un ambiente di gioco sicuro e regolamentato. Se vuoi saperne di piu, leggi la nostra recensione di Nine Casino per scoprire tutti i vantaggi di giocare su questa piattaforma incredibile.
nine casino login https://nine-casino-italia.com/ .
*Explorando o Prazer com o Sugador de Clitóris: O Vibrador que Revolucionou o Mercado*
O sugador de clitóris, também conhecido como vibrador sugador de clitóris, é um dos itens mais
inovadores e desejados no mercado de produtos eróticos. Este dispositivo foi desenvolvido especialmente para proporcionar um prazer
intenso e diferenciado, focando diretamente na estimulação do clitóris, uma
das zonas erógenas mais sensíveis do corpo feminino.
Diferente dos vibradores tradicionais, o vibrador de clitóris utiliza uma
tecnologia de sucção suave, simulando
movimentos de sucção ou pequenos “pulsos de ar”,
o que garante uma experiência única de prazer.
Além de ser extremamente silencioso e discreto, o sugador de clitóris oferece vários modos de intensidade, permitindo que cada pessoa encontre a configuração que
melhor se adapta ao seu gosto e nível de conforto.
No site da Libertina Shop, você pode encontrar uma variedade de modelos de sugadores de clitóris, cada um com características distintas,
como resistência à água, formatos ergonômicos e diferentes modos de vibração.
Esses dispositivos são projetados para ser fáceis de usar, oferecendo o máximo de conforto e satisfação durante o uso.
O vibrador sugador de clitóris é ideal para quem deseja explorar novas formas de prazer e conhecer melhor seu
próprio corpo. Se você está buscando uma forma inovadora
de se conectar com seu prazer, vale a pena experimentar um sugador de
clitóris e descobrir por que ele se tornou um dos itens mais populares
no mercado de bem-estar na cama.
[JepangBetjudi online aman] memang menjadi pilihan tepat buat saya.
[Website-nyauser-friendly] dan [pelayanan customer servicenya{cepat|profesional|memang ramah] banget!
[Bisa main dengan tenang tanpa khawatir|Aman dan terpercaya banget]!
Baru tau [JepangBet{situs game online|platform game terpercaya}]!
[Koleksi game-nya{lumayan lengkap|sangat beragam|gak kalah sama situs lain}]
dan [bonus-nya{lumayan besar|menarik banget|terjangkau]. [Sangat cocok buat yang suka main game online{dan cari penghasilan tambahan|dan cari hiburan seru}]!
[JepangBet{situs game online terpercaya|situs judi online terbaik}] udah jadi [situs favoritku{untuk bermain game online|untuk mengisi waktu luang}]!
[Mudah menang{dan withdrawnya cepat}]. [Rekomendasi buat yang mau coba main game online{dan cari uang tambahan}]!
[JepangBet{situs game online terpercaya|platform game online terbaik|judi online aman}]
bikin saya makin yakin buat main game online. [Website-nya{user-friendly|mudah diakses|terjamin keamanannya}] dan [pelayanan customer servicenya{cepat|profesional|memang ramah|tanggap banget}]!
Udah lama cari situs game online yang terpercaya, akhirnya
nemu [JepangBet]! [Sistem keamanan-nya{kuat|terjamin|gak perlu khawatir}] dan [proses withdraw-nya{cepat|mudah}]!
Gak perlu ragu lagi buat main di [JepangBet{situs game online terpercaya|platform game online terbaik}]!
[Lisensi dan izinnya{legal|terdaftar resmi}] jadi [saya yakin aman dan terpercaya]!.
[JepangBet{situs game online|platform game terpercaya}] punya [koleksi game{lumayan lengkap|sangat beragam|gak kalah sama situs lain}]!
[Bonus-nya{lumayan besar|menarik banget|terjangkau}] dan [mudah diklaim]!
[JepangBet{situs game online terpercaya|platform game online terbaik}] bikin saya makin semangat
main game! [Bonus harian{dan mingguan|dan turnamen}] bikin [saya makin excited]!
[JepangBet{situs game online terpercaya}] benar-benar [situs game online yang recommended]!
[Game-nya seru, bonusnya menarik, dan {customer servicenya ramah|pelayanannya cepat}]!
[JepangBet{situs game online terpercaya}] udah jadi [situs favoritku{untuk bermain game online|untuk mengisi waktu luang}]!
[Mudah menang dan {withdrawnya cepat|proses withdrawnya mudah}]!
[JepangBet{situs game online terpercaya}] bikin saya [makin semangat main game online]!
[Game-nya seru, bonusnya menarik, dan {customer servicenya ramah|pelayanannya cepat}]!
[JepangBet{situs game online terpercaya}] [situs game online yang recommended]!
[Game-nya seru, bonusnya menarik, dan {saya udah coba main di sini dan gak kecewa|saya puas banget}]!
Hello every one, here every person is sharing
such knowledge, therefore it’s good to read this website, and I used to go to see this weblog every day.
my website … 商業登記證費用
It’s actually a nice and helpful piece of information. I’m happy that you shared this helpful info
with us. Please keep us informed like this.
Thanks for sharing.
my website :: monosodium glutamate
If you desire to obtain a great deal from this post then you
have to apply these techniques to your won webpage.
my blog … herpesyl does not work