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/
Pornstar
https://66-lottery.com/
Sex
https://66-lottery.com/
Pornstar
https://66-lottery.com/
Buy Drugs
https://66-lottery.com/
Porn site
https://66-lottery.com/
buy viagra online
Viagra
https://66-lottery.com/
Viagra
https://66-lottery.com/
Sex
https://66-lottery.com/
Porn
https://66-lottery.com/
Scam
https://66-lottery.com/
I have been surfing online more than 2 hours today, yet I never found any interesting
article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me.
Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you did,
the net will be a lot more useful than ever before.
Here is my web-site … lợi ích của việc đọc sách
Here is my site … Explore Daycares Locations
Just desire to say your article is as amazing.
The clearness in your post is simply spectacular
and i can assume you are an expert on this subject.
Fine with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post.
Thanks a million and please carry on the gratifying work.
my web-site: đang cho con bú có uống thuốc tránh thai được không
Does your site have a contact page? I’m having a
tough time locating it but, I’d like to send you an e-mail.
I’ve got some creative ideas for your blog you might be
interested in hearing. Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it develop over time.
Also visit my web-site: Visit
Hey there would you mind letting me know which
webhost you’re using? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most.
Can you recommend a good web hosting provider at a fair price?
Kudos, I appreciate it!
My web site – Kunjungi
I’ve been exploring for a little for any high quality articles
or blog posts in this sort of house . Exploring in Yahoo I
eventually stumbled upon this web site. Studying this information So i
am satisfied to exhibit that I have an incredibly good uncanny
feeling I discovered just what I needed. I most indisputably will make sure to do not overlook this
website and provides it a look regularly. https://Qanda.Yokepost.com/index.php?qa=12379&qa_1=costos-implantes-dentales-san-salvador-inversi%C3%B3n-sonrisa
I’m not sure exactly why but this site is loading incredibly slow for me.
Is anyone else having this problem or is it a problem on my end?
I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.
Here is my web blog; https://wikimapia.org/external_link?url=https://holdt-holdt.hubstack.net/diesel-generator-for-black-start-capability-powering-up-in-times-of-emergency
Hi there, 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 stop it, any plugin or anything you can advise?
I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any support is very much appreciated.
My web page – iconwin
Completed Reading a Blog Post: A Formal Input to the Comment Section and an Invitation to
Join “KING855”
‘After thoroughly studying the blog post, I would like to provide the following contribution to the discussion .
Your viewpoints regarding the issue were quite mind-expanding .
I was in agreement with several of the arguments you brought up .
It is encouraging to see such an engaging debate taking place .
If you are inclined in additional investigating this theme, I would sincerely urge you to become a member of the “KING855” network .
In that space, you will have the opportunity to interact with kindred spirit participants
and dive deeper into these captivating subjects.
I believe your participation would be a valuable
addition to the discourse .
Thank you input , and I look forward to the possibility
of continuing this stimulating exchange .
Feel free to surf to my website online casino financial services
17 Reasons To Not Ignore Treadmill Under Desk treadmill desk, Gary,
Somos tu mejor opción en CDMX para concreto premezclado.
Ofrecemos mezclas de alta resistencia, listas para cualquier
tipo de obra. Garantizamos entrega puntual, servicio personalizado
y calidad superior para todos tus proyectos.
¡Cotiza con nosotros y asegura el éxito de tu construcción!
Also visit my blog :: venta de concreto premezclado
wonderful issues altogether, you just received a new reader.
What might you suggest in regards to your post that you made
a few days ago? Any certain?
my website … Làm đẹp bằng sữa tươi
An intriguing discussion is definitely worth
comment. I believe that you need to write more on this topic,
it may not be a taboo subject but generally people do not speak about these
topics. To the next! All the best!!
Here is my web-site: Watch Child Porn Online
Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve visited this web site before but after looking at some of
the posts I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m
definitely delighted I stumbled upon it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking
back regularly!
My website – Kostsurabaya.Net
The Reason Why Electric Treadmill Incline Is Everyone’s Passion In 2023 space
Contribute to constructing the agency with new platforms, tools, tips, and opportunities.
Feel free too surf to my homepage – bj알바
Very shortly this website will be famous amid all blogging and
site-building people, due to it’s nice posts
Also visit my homepage aplikasi porno
Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with
my facebook group? There’s a lot of people that I think
would really appreciate your content. Please let me know.
Thanks
Have a look at my blog post … double story extension cost
payday loan
Great artіcⅼe. I’m deɑⅼіng with some of these issues as well..
my webpage Live Porno Web Cam XXX Sex Chat
¡Saludos! Me llamo Theo, soy de Icod de los Vinos provincia de Santa Cruz de Tenerife y soy un aficionado a
la jardinería. Estoy casado y tenemos dos
hijos, Andrés de 8 años y Laura de 5.
Aquí está mi sitio :: ofertas Herbalife
Can you tell us more about this? I’d care to find out some additional information.
Here is my web page Sexpartnerin
Excellent web site you have here.. It’s difficult to find high quality writing like yours these days.
I honestly appreciate people like you! Take care!!
Take a look at my web page: nonton bokep hot
Incredible points. Sound arguments. Keep up the great work.
Also visit my homepage :: Images.Google.td
Incredible points. Solid arguments. Keep up the good work.
Feel free to surf to my homepage; cell regenerative therapy
Il sert en réalité de portail vers d’autres courtiers en ligne pour permettre aux utilisateurs de trader
des actifs numériques.
my blog; Ann
Walking Machine Desk Tips To Relax Your Daily Life Walking Machine Desk Trick That
Every Person Must Be Able To walking Machine desk
Hi there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you
if that would be ok. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward
to new updates. https://Chrischona-Pratteln.ch/?s=http%3A%2F%2FSjcxbook.com%2Fcomment%2Fhtml%2F%3F146166.html
Great site you have here buut I was curious about if you knew of
any forums that cover the same topics discussed here?
I’d really love to be a part of community where
I can get advice from other experienced individuals that share
the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
Many thanks!
my blog post :: Royalhibernian.Vg
I think the admin of this web page is truly working hard in favor of his
site, because here every information is quality based stuff.
My page – 80adec2ampndbs9h.xn--p1ai
You could certainly see your expertise within the work you write.
The arena hopes for more passionate writers such
as you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart.
Also visit my site – لايك ارزان
Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the images on this blog loading?
I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or
if it’s the blog. Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.
Also visit my page – Immediate Selsonix
I got this site from my buddy who told me about this web site and now this time I am visiting this web page and reading very informative content at
this time.
my homepage – fitspresso recipe
Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is fantastic,
let alone the content!
Check out my web blog; Cs-Upgrade.top
This article will help the internet users for setting up new website or even a blog from start to
end.
Have a look at my website :: http://verbina-glucharkina.ru/user/zephyrcook4/
Unquestionably believe that that you stated. Your favourite reason appeared to be on the
internet the simplest factor to understand of.
I say to you, I definitely get irked whilst other folks think about concerns that
they just do not realize about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest and defined out the
whole thing with no need side-effects , other people could
take a signal. Will likely be again to get more.
Thank you https://Www.Trottiloc.com/author/maynardq54/
When I initially commented I appear to have clicked the -Notify me
when new comments are added- checkbox and from now
on each tie a colmment is added I geet 4 emails with the exact same comment.
There has to be a means you are able to rdmove me frkm that service?
Kudos!
카이저제빙기
Howdy! I know this is kind of off-topic but I had to
ask. Does operating a well-established blog like yours take a large amount of work?
I am brand new to writing a blog but I do write in my diary everyday.
I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my experience and feelings online.
Please let me know if you have any suggestions
or tips for new aspiring bloggers. Thankyou!
Look into my web page :: http://g-Friend.co.kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=93608
It’s very trouble-free to find out any topic on net as compared to books,
as I found this piece of writing at this website.
My webpage; meslot889