Distribution - B2B Market Research

Distribution Industry Overview

Almost every industry expert is in agreement that the wholesale distribution industry is in a period of transformation. Technological advancements (robotics, the Internet of Things, cloud robotics) are creating massive upheavals, with industries converging, new forms of competition surfacing, and new business models emerging as never before…disruption is now the norm. The explosive growth of e-commerce has created both challenges and opportunities for differentiated fulfillment options. Today’s consumers expect a seamless purchasing experience and want to be alerted if there are any issues that arise with their purchases. Distributors need to work more collaboratively with suppliers, manufacturers and retailers to gather, utilize and share real-time order information, shipping schedules and inventory levels to make sure customers’ expectations are met.

Increasing focus on core business activities accompanied by reduced shipping cost is anticipated to drive third party logistics market size. Increasing freight rates is likely to push shippers towards discovering new ways to pull costs out of the supply chain. The advent of e-commerce along with entrepreneurial ventures is likely to fuel the industry demand for specialized logistics as well as supply chain execution capabilities.

Many distribution business owners are realizing the importance of making data-driven business decisions. As a result, the focus has shifted to implementing truly integrated software that will tie the different facets of the business, (such as order taking to warehouse management to accounting) together. The results for companies who move in this direction are systems system that provides real-time information across departments in a timely manner to facilitate effective decision making.

Priority Metrics Group conducts custom market research and provides unparalleled insight needed for uncovering growth opportunities in the distribution market.