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/
A Look At The Future How Will The Adhd Private Assessment Industry Look Like In 10 Years?
adhd assessment uk online (Nicki)
Five Killer Quora Answers On Daftar Situs Togel Daftar situs togel
Hello everyone, it’s my first go to see at this
website, and article is truly fruitful for me, keep up posting these types
of content.
Here is my web blog; reviews on lung clear pro
hello!,I like your writing so much! proportion we communicate more approximately your post on AOL?
I need an expert in this space to unravel my problem.
May be that’s you! Looking ahead to look you.
Here is my page; http://Isas2020.net/volume1/1745054
What’s The Job Market For Velvet Sectional Sofa Professionals?
Velvet Sectional Sofa
15 Reasons You Must Love Bentley Valet Key Bentley Bentayga Key Marked Area
Also visit my site – highstakes download
10 Signs To Watch For To Buy A Toppers Mattress toppers for single beds
Hi friends, its impressive piece of writing regarding teachingand fully
explained, keep it up all the time.
My blog :: jeeter juice disposable 2 gram
The Complete List Of Private Psychiatrist Assessment Near Me Dos And Don’ts psych patient assessment
It’s genuinely very complicated in this active life to listen news on TV, so I just use web for that
purpose, and get the newest news.
Here is my webpage; billionaire brain wave review
Hello There. I found your weblog using msn. That is a really
neatly written article. I will make sure to bookmark it
and come back to learn more of your useful info. Thank you for the
post. I’ll definitely comeback.
Visit my webpage how much is eta for kenya
A reputable mesothelioma law firm can assist victims and their families receive compensation.
Mesothelioma lawyers are knowledgeable about asbestos litigation and can aid victims with trust fund claims,
lawsuits or VA benefits.
20 Up-And-Comers To Watch In The Key Fob Programming Near Me Industry Car Key Reprogramming Near Me
Howdy just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same outcome.|
https://phoneforensicscan.au/
hello!,I like your writing very so much!
proportion we keep in touch more approximately your post on AOL?
I require an expert in this house to resolve my problem.
Maybe that’s you! Having a look forward to see you.
Here is my blog … Avoid SCAM Casino Sites Promoted By Scammers
Excellent beat ! I would like to apprentice even as you amend your web site,
how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a
applicable deal. I have been tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast provided vibrant transparent idea
Here is my web site … Fun trivia quizzes
You ought to take part in a contest for one of the greatest
sites on the internet. I am going to recommend this website!
Here is my web page; ngentot pembantu
I am regular visitor, how are you everybody? This post posted at this web site is
in fact nice.
Feel free to surf to my web page: dentavim youtube reviews
15 Terms That Everyone Involved In Private ADHD Assessment Manchester Industry Should Know
Private adhd Assessment newcastle
Wow! At last I got a website from where I can really get useful data concerning my study and knowledge.
Also visit my page :: MPOJAYA slot
Howdy I am so thrilled I found your blog page, I really found you by accident, while I was looking on Google for something else, Anyhow I am
here now and would just like to say thank you
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 included your RSS feeds,
so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep
up the fantastic work.
Feel free to visit my site: google übersetzer
Everything You Need To Know About Best Price Bunk Beds Free Shipping Best Bunk Beds For Low Ceilings (Telegra.Ph)
1win е водеща платформа за онлайн залози в България, предоставяща на потребителите уникално
изживяване с богат набор от спортни събития, казино игри и бонуси.
Създаден специално за българските играчи, сайтът предлага лесен достъп до различни пазари
за залагания, включително футбол, тенис,
баскетбол, eSports и много други.
### Какво прави 1win предпочитан избор?
1win се отличава с интуитивен интерфейс, който прави навигацията лесна дори
за начинаещите потребители. Независимо дали сте фен на спортни залози или обичате
казино игри, платформата предлага високо ниво на
сигурност и разнообразие от възможности за забавление.
### Бонуси и промоции
1win привлича вниманието със своите щедри бонуси.
Новите потребители могат да се
възползват от бонус за първи депозит, който значително увеличава
техните средства за залагане.
Освен това, сайтът редовно
предлага различни промоции и бонус кодове, които дават допълнителни награди и стимули.
### Казино игри на 1win
Казино секцията на 1win предлага стотици
слотове, рулетка, блекджек и бакара, като игрите са разработени от водещи софтуерни доставчици.
Любителите на казиното могат да се насладят на разнообразие от заглавия с реалистична графика
и вълнуващи джакпоти.
### Спортни залози на живо
1win предлага възможност за залози на живо,
което прави играта още по-интерактивна.
Потребителите могат да залагат в реално време на любимите си
спортове и да следят динамиката на резултатите директно на сайта.
Възможността за бързо уреждане на залози и актуализация на коефициентите допълнително засилва
удоволствието от играта.
### Мобилно приложение
За потребителите, които обичат да залагат в движение, 1win предлага мобилно приложение, достъпно за Android и iOS.
Приложението е бързо и лесно за употреба, като предоставя същите функции и удобства като десктоп версията
на сайта.
### Безопасност и надеждност
1win се грижи за сигурността на личните данни и финансовите операции
на своите потребители. Сайтът използва модерни технологии за криптиране и предоставя
няколко метода за депозити и тегления,
включително банкови карти, електронни портфейли и криптовалути.
### Регистрация и поддръжка
Процесът на регистрация в
1win е бърз и лесен, а екипът по поддръжка е винаги готов да помогне на потребителите при възникнали въпроси или проблеми.
Клиентите могат да се свържат с поддръжката чрез чат на живо или имейл
по всяко време на денонощието.
С 1win ще откриете един нов свят на забавление и възможности за
печалба. Регистрирайте се днес и се
възползвайте от всички предимства, които платформата предлага!
“http://austintownvideo.com/home/forums/topic/1win-bg-1785n/”
The Top Bunk Beds With Single And Double Experts Have Been Doing
3 Things double bunk bed single top (Rachelle)
Simply wish to say your article is as amazing. The clarity in your
post is just spectacular and i could assume you’re an expert on this subject.
Well with your permission allow me to grab your feed to keep up to date with forthcoming
post. Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.
Here is my web page – aviator rabona
10 Tree House Bed That Are Unexpected Treehouse Bed With Trundle
Families of asbestos Compensation victims
can claim compensation from the companies that are accountable for their exposure.
An experienced asbestos lawyer in virginia can help
you understand your rights and get the compensation you’re entitled to.
1win е водеща платформа за онлайн залози в България, предоставяща на
потребителите уникално изживяване с богат набор от спортни събития, казино игри
и бонуси. Създаден специално за българските играчи, сайтът предлага
лесен достъп до различни пазари за залагания,
включително футбол, тенис, баскетбол, eSports и много
други.
### Какво прави 1win предпочитан избор?
1win се отличава с интуитивен интерфейс, който прави навигацията лесна дори
за начинаещите потребители.
Независимо дали сте фен на спортни залози или обичате казино игри, платформата предлага високо ниво на сигурност и разнообразие от
възможности за забавление.
### Бонуси и промоции
1win привлича вниманието със своите щедри бонуси.
Новите потребители могат да се възползват от бонус за първи депозит,
който значително увеличава техните средства за залагане.
Освен това, сайтът редовно предлага
различни промоции и бонус кодове,
които дават допълнителни награди и стимули.
### Казино игри на 1win
Казино секцията на 1win предлага стотици слотове,
рулетка, блекджек и бакара, като игрите са разработени от водещи софтуерни доставчици.
Любителите на казиното могат да се насладят на разнообразие от заглавия с реалистична
графика и вълнуващи джакпоти.
### Спортни залози на живо
1win предлага възможност за залози
на живо, което прави играта още по-интерактивна.
Потребителите могат да залагат в реално време на любимите си спортове и да следят динамиката
на резултатите директно на сайта.
Възможността за бързо
уреждане на залози и актуализация на коефициентите
допълнително засилва удоволствието от играта.
### Мобилно приложение
За потребителите, които обичат да залагат в движение, 1win предлага мобилно приложение, достъпно за Android и iOS.
Приложението е бързо и лесно за употреба, като предоставя същите
функции и удобства като десктоп версията
на сайта.
### Безопасност и надеждност
1win се грижи за сигурността на личните данни и финансовите операции на своите потребители.
Сайтът използва модерни технологии за криптиране и предоставя няколко метода за депозити и тегления, включително банкови карти,
електронни портфейли и криптовалути.
### Регистрация и поддръжка
Процесът на регистрация в 1win е бърз и
лесен, а екипът по поддръжка е
винаги готов да помогне на потребителите при възникнали въпроси или проблеми.
Клиентите могат да се свържат с поддръжката чрез
чат на живо или имейл по всяко време на денонощието.
С 1win ще откриете един нов свят на забавление и възможности за печалба.
Регистрирайте се днес и се възползвайте от всички предимства, които платформата предлага!
“http://classicalmusicmp3freedownload.com/ja/index.php?title=1win_Bg_4038e”
This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Take care!
Exactly where are your contact details though?
my homepage … siriusxm; lanekozaki.pl,
My programmer 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 WordPress on a number of websites for about a year and am worried about switching to another
platform. I have heard excellent things about blogengine.net.
Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress content into it?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Here is my web page: pickleball – lanekozaki.pl,
4 Dirty Little Secrets About Bunk Bed For Kids And The Bunk Bed For Kids Industry bunk beds for kids sale (Jan)
Your style is so unique compared to other folks I have read stuff from.
Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just book
mark this site.
My web page … Truffe noire de Bagnoli
Wonderful work! This is the kind of information that are supposed
to be shared across the net. Disgrace on Google
for not positioning this submit higher! Come on over and
consult with my website . Thanks =)
my web site AVOID SCAM CULTURE.ORG WEBSITE
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate your efforts and I
will be waiting for your next post thank you
once again.
Here is my web blog – erec prime
1win е водеща платформа за онлайн залози в България, предоставяща на потребителите уникално изживяване с
богат набор от спортни събития, казино игри
и бонуси. Създаден специално за българските играчи, сайтът
предлага лесен достъп до различни
пазари за залагания, включително футбол, тенис, баскетбол,
eSports и много други.
### Какво прави 1win предпочитан избор?
1win се отличава с интуитивен
интерфейс, който прави навигацията
лесна дори за начинаещите
потребители. Независимо дали сте фен на спортни залози или
обичате казино игри, платформата предлага високо ниво на сигурност и
разнообразие от възможности за забавление.
### Бонуси и промоции
1win привлича вниманието със своите щедри бонуси.
Новите потребители могат да се възползват от бонус за първи депозит, който значително
увеличава техните средства за залагане.
Освен това, сайтът редовно предлага различни
промоции и бонус кодове, които
дават допълнителни награди и стимули.
### Казино игри на 1win
Казино секцията на 1win предлага стотици слотове, рулетка, блекджек и бакара,
като игрите са разработени от водещи софтуерни доставчици.
Любителите на казиното могат да
се насладят на разнообразие от заглавия
с реалистична графика и вълнуващи джакпоти.
### Спортни залози на живо
1win предлага възможност за залози на живо, което прави играта още по-интерактивна.
Потребителите могат да залагат в реално време на любимите си спортове и да следят динамиката на резултатите директно на сайта.
Възможността за бързо уреждане на залози и актуализация на коефициентите допълнително засилва
удоволствието от играта.
### Мобилно приложение
За потребителите, които обичат да залагат в
движение, 1win предлага мобилно приложение, достъпно за Android
и iOS. Приложението е бързо и лесно за употреба, като
предоставя същите функции и удобства като десктоп версията на
сайта.
### Безопасност и надеждност
1win се грижи за сигурността
на личните данни и финансовите операции на своите потребители.
Сайтът използва модерни технологии за криптиране и предоставя няколко
метода за депозити и тегления, включително банкови карти, електронни портфейли
и криптовалути.
### Регистрация и поддръжка
Процесът на регистрация в 1win е бърз
и лесен, а екипът по поддръжка е винаги готов да помогне на потребителите при възникнали въпроси
или проблеми. Клиентите могат да се
свържат с поддръжката чрез чат на живо или имейл по
всяко време на денонощието.
С 1win ще откриете един нов свят
на забавление и възможности за печалба.
Регистрирайте се днес и се възползвайте от всички предимства,
които платформата предлага!
“https://moregogiga.com/community/profile/vickiguinn25315/”
I really love your website.. Pleasant colors & theme.
Did you create this web site yourself? Please reply back as
I’m hoping to create my own website and would like to learn where you
got this from or what the theme is named. Many thanks!
My web page :: MPOMAX link alternatif
http://indianpharmacy.company/# best online pharmacy india
eppono.online
15 Up-And-Coming Skoda Car Key Bloggers You Need To Watch Skoda replacement key Cost Uk
See What Treating ADHD In Adults Tricks The Celebs Are Making Use
Of treating adhd – https://Telegra.ph/ –
I am sure this article has touched all the internet viewers,
its really really pleasant post on building up new blog.
Here is my web blog; Rtg Slot Bocoran
они очень часто проводили {время} в
игорных домах Баден-Бадена.
My website https://artprazdnik-vrn.ru/media/pgs/kak_vubrat_luchshie_igrovue_avtomatu_vostok_dlya_igru_.html
Hello there! This post could not be written any better!
Reading through this post reminds me of my previous
room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this
post to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read.
Thank you for sharing!
Feel free to surf to my website; flashback
It’s going to be ending of mine day, but before finish I am reading this impressive piece of writing to improve my experience.
Here is my web page; toket
I constantly emailed this webpage post page to all
my associates, because if like to read it next my links will
too.
Also visit my site; ทางเข้าOKคาสิโน
Hello, I desire to subscribe for this website to get most recent updates, therefore where
can i do it please help out.
Also visit my webpage … replica rolex submariner
Great beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website,
how can i subscribe for a blog website? The account helped me a acceptable deal.
I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea
Also visit my webpage :: Discover now
Five Essential Qualities Customers Are Searching For In Every Private Online Psychiatrist Private psychiatrist uk Cost
Hey this is kind of of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding know-how so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience.
Any help would be enormously appreciated!
Also visit my site – ทางเข้าKingdom66