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/
пин ап: пинап казино – пин ап зеркало
It’s actually a cool and helpful piece of information. I’m satisfied
that you shared this useful information with us.
Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
Also visit my site خرید غذای گربه
If you are going for most excellent contents like me, only pay a
quick visit this site daily for the reason that it presents feature contents, thanks
my web blog; http://Www.Artkaoji.com/
“‘ การ ดัดแปลง ของ Evolution Gaming ‘”
การ ดัดแปลง และ ก้าวทันโลก
เป็นเรื่องปกติในโลกของเทคโนโลยี และธุรกิจ
ซึ่ง ‘Evolution Gaming’ เป็นหนึ่งในบริษัทที่สะท้อนแนวโน้มนี้อย่างชัดเจน
Evolution Gaming เป็นบริษัทชั้นนำในอุตสาหกรรม การพนัน ออนไลน์ โดย
ก่อตั้งขึ้น ในปี 2006 และมีการ ขยายอาณาเขต อย่างต่อเนื่อง จนกลายเป็นหนึ่งในผู้นำด้านการให้บริการเกมคาสิโน
สดแบบออนไลน์ที่ใหญ่ที่สุดในโลก
ความ ความเจริญก้าวหน้า ของ Evolution Gaming มาจากการ ปรับเปลี่ยน และ ทันเหตุการณ์นวัตกรรมอย่างต่อเนื่อง บริษัทมีการ ดำเนินการนำเทคโนโลยีล่าสุดมาใช้ในการ
ดัดแปลง เกมและการ สตรีมสด
ผ่านแพลตฟอร์มออนไลน์ ทำให้ผู้เล่นสามารถ ได้รับ ประสบการณ์ การพนัน แบบ ออนไลน์แบบไลฟ์ ได้อย่างสมจริง
นอกจากนี้ Evolution Gaming ยังมีการ สร้างสรรค์ บุคลากรภายในองค์กรอย่างต่อเนื่อง
โดยการ ฝึกฝนทักษะของพนักงาน เพื่อให้สามารถ ปฏิบัติ ความต้องการของ ลูกค้าที่มีศักยภาพ ได้อย่างมี ความครบถ้วน ซึ่งเป็นปัจจัยสำคัญที่ทำให้
Evolution Gaming สามารถ ดำเนินการแข่งขัน และ ก้าวไกล อย่างต่อเนื่องในตลาดที่มีการแข่งขันสูง
การ ปรับตัว ของ Evolution Gaming ไม่เพียงแต่สะท้อนถึงความ ความเจริญก้าวหน้า ขององค์กรเท่านั้น แต่ยังเป็นตัวอย่างที่ดีของการ
ดัดแปลง และ ก้าวไกล นวัตกรรมในโลกธุรกิจ ซึ่งเป็นปัจจัยสำคัญที่จะนำไปสู่ ความก้าวไกล และ ความมั่นคง ในอนาคต
Here is my blog: ข้อกำหนดในการเดิมพัน
My site Daycare Near Me – Find The Best Daycares Near You
У каждого слота имеется лицензия, что является гарантией
честного игрового процесса и отсутствия каких-либо подводных камней в ходе сотрудничества
с казино франк зеркало.
order voltaren 50mg online – buy diclofenac online order aspirin
This is a topic which is close to my heart… Take care!
Exactly where are your contact details though?
Here is my website … jav sub indo kakak tiriku punya body mantap
I enjoy what you guys are usually up too. This type of clever work and exposure!
Keep up the good works guys I’ve added you guys to blogroll.
Here is my web blog … https://Xypid.Win/Story.Php?Title=Requirements-Regarding-Gaining-Truck-Finance-4
Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you can be a
great author.I will make sure to bookmark your blog
and may come back in the future. I want to encourage that you continue your great posts,
have a nice evening!
Here is my site … Willysforsale.com
My family members always say that I am killing my time here at web, except I know
I am getting know-how everyday by reading such good articles.
Visit my website; alchk.com
My coder is trying to convince me to move to .net from
PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the costs.
But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on several websites for about a year and am worried about switching to another platform.
I have heard good things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can import all my wordpress content
into it? Any help would be really appreciated!
my web blog no risk
7k on line casino привлекает внимание игроков широказино 7 ким
выбором игр и высокими бонусами.
You can definitely see your skills within the
article you write. The arena hopes for even more
passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to mention how they believe.
All the time follow your heart.
My website :: click here
1xbet: 1xbet скачать – 1xbet зеркало
The article on Eater Chicago explores various restaurants
and bars in Chicago celebrating the Lunar New Year.
It features unique dishes and temporary setups focused on Chinese and Asian cuisine.
Whether you’re looking for traditional flavors, this guide provides
excellent recommendations of places to visit.
Read more about it to plan your Lunar New Year celebration in Chicago.
My web blog – https://chicago.eater.com/2022/1/28/22905273/chinese-asian-lunar-new-year-2022-best-chicago-restaurants-bars-pop-ups
10 Startups That Will Change The Programmable Car Keys Industry
For The Better Reprogramming A Car Key
pin up казино: пин ап вход – пин ап казино
I am not sure where you are getting your information, but great topic.
I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
Thanks for wonderful info I was looking for this info
for my mission.
Feel free to surf to my web-site SCAM
Remarkable things here. I am very happy to see your article.
Thank you so much and I am taking a look forward to contact you.
Will you please drop me a mail?
Also visit my blog testoprime reviews
Hi there I am so delighted I found your blog,
I really found you by accident, while I was looking on Aol for something else,
Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say thanks a lot for a incredible post and a all round enjoyable
blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read through it all
at the moment but I have bookmarked it and also
added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will
be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the great work.
Feel free to surf to my blog post … hawktuahbaby.com
Heya i’m for the primary time here. I came across this board and
I to find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give one thing again and aid others such as you helped me.
my web-site … pro nerve 6 review
Новым клиентам отданы в распоряжение ознакомительные режимы аппаратов.
My website – вулкан россия скачать
Hi there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this
website with us so I came to take a look. I’m definitely loving the information.
I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
Outstanding blog and wonderful style and design.
Also visit my homepage; Slot Gacor Malam Ini Maxwin
Your style is unique in comparison to other people I’ve read stuff from.
I appreciate you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess
I’ll just bookmark this blog.
my page: dpo services
Hi there I am so grateful I found your webpage, I really found you by error, while I was looking on Bing for
something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say thank you for
a incredible post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read through it all at the moment but I have
book-marked it and also included your RSS feeds,
so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please
do keep up the awesome jo.
Also visit my web page; sex indo viral
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here.
The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish.
nonetheless, you command get bought an impatience
over that you wish be delivering the following.
unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same
nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase. https://Www.Trottiloc.com/author/mosheblack/
Hi, i think that i saw you visited my website thus i came
to “return the favor”.I’m trying to find things to improve my web site!I suppose its ok to use a
few of your ideas!!
Take a look at my web blog :: PHISING
Asking questions are really good thing if you are not understanding anything completely, but this article
gives good understanding yet.
my web blog: ku bet
Here is my web blog; Cerys
If some one wants to be updated with latest technologies afterward he must be visit this web site
and be up to date every day.
Here is my page – войти на кракен
Hi there, after reading this remarkable piece of writing i am too delighted to
share my familiarity here with mates.
Also visit my website sikkim game
Every weekend i used to pay a quick visit this web page,
because i want enjoyment, as this this website conations in fact nice
funny stuff too.
my web page – thailand steroids
สาระ ของบล็อกนี้ น่าติดตาม
มากๆ ครับ ผมชอบวิธีการวิเคราะห์ ประเด็นต่างๆ อย่าง ครบถ้วนและ มีเหตุมีผลชัดเจน เป็นการช่วยให้ผู้อ่าน ทำความเข้าใจ
ประเด็นได้ ลึกซึ้งขึ้น มากขึ้น
คุณเขียนได้อย่าง เป็นลำดับ และ น่าจับตามอง ซึ่งเป็นสิ่งสำคัญสำหรับบทความระดับนี้
นอกจากนั้น ผมยังชอบ
แนวคิด ใหม่ๆ ที่คุณได้นำเสนอ ซึ่งเป็นสิ่งที่ ยังไม่เคย คิดมาก่อน มันช่วยขยายวิสัยทัศน์ และความคิด ของผมไปในทิศทางที่กว้างขึ้น ผมขอขอบคุณที่คุณได้ สื่อสารความรู้และประสบการณ์
ของคุณ มันช่วยให้ผมได้ พัฒนาตัวเอง มากขึ้นอย่างแน่นอน
ผมหวังว่าจะได้ ติดตาม บทความอื่นๆ ของคุณในอนาคตเช่นกัน เพราะผมมั่นใจว่าจะมีประโยชน์ และเป็นการเพิ่มพูน ความรู้ให้กับผมอย่างแน่นอน ขอบคุณมากครับ!
My homepage discuss (https://bookmarking.win/)
I am in fact grateful to the holder of this web page who has shared this great post at at this place.
My web blog – pinjaman peribadi islamik
Hey! This is my first comment here so I just wanted
to give a quick shout out and tell you I really enjoy reading
your blog posts. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with the same subjects?
Many thanks! http://WWW.Die-Seite.com/index.php?a=stats&u=bonnie7709
سقف عرشه فولادی
Also visit my web site :: Daycares popular listings
Wow, fantastic weblog format! How long have you ever been running a blog for?
you made blogging look easy. The whole look of your site is great, as smartly as the content!
My web blog is lung clear pro legitimate
Hi, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and
i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam
remarks? If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can recommend?
I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any support is very much appreciated.
Here is my site; SEO Derry
Hello! Someone in my Facebook group shared this site with
us so I came to give it a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
Superb blog and terrific design.
Here is my webpage :: mulebuy
en yeni slot siteleri: yasal slot siteleri – slot siteleri guvenilir
Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative.
I’m going to watch out for brussels. I’ll appreciate
if you continue this in future. Numerous people will be
benefited from your writing. Cheers!
My web blog Das-al.com
slot siteleri: slot oyun siteleri – yasal slot siteleri
hi!,I like your writing very a lot! percentage we keep in touch extra approximately your post on AOL?
I need an expert on this area to solve my problem.
Maybe that is you! Taking a look forward to see you.
my blog visit here
Hello very nice web site!! Guy .. Excellent ..
Superb .. I will bookmark your site and take the feeds additionally?
I am happy to seek out a lot of helpful info right here within the post, we want develop more techniques in this regard, thank you for sharing.
. . . . . http://thpt-Vinhloc-thanhhoa.edu.vn/index.php?language=vi&nv=statistics&nvvithemever=t&nv_redirect=aHR0cDovL3d3dy50ZWVucG9ydC5jb20vY3J0ci9jZ2kvb3V0LmNnaT9pZD0xMTQmdGFnPXRvcGxpc3QmdHJhZGU9aHR0cDovL2Fub255bW91c2Uub3JnL2NnaS1iaW4vYW5vbi13d3cuY2dpL2h0dHA6Ly9zYWRhLWNvbG9yLm1ha2kzLm5ldC9iYnMvYmJzLmNnaSUzRiZhcj0xMDYmYz02MQ==
Remarkable! Its genuinely remarkable article, I have got much clear idea on the topic of from this
paragraph.
Check out my web-site – ngentot nungging
What’s up colleagues, nice post and nice arguments commented at
this place, I am in fact enjoying by these.
Here is my web site freechatnow
Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having a tough
time locating it but, I’d like to send you an email. I’ve got some recommendations for your
blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great website and I look forward to seeing it grow over time.
Also visit my web site: northern
Usually I don’t read article on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to check out
and do it! Your writing taste has been amazed me.
Thanks, quite great article. https://Sobrouremedio.com.br/author/lucieoquinn/