In the latest digital edition of Industrial Distribution magazine, experts from across the distribution sector provide insights on selling in a unique environment in ID’s annual “Guide to Sales.” The newest issue also includes a visit with specialty “one-stop-shop” Anyseals, along with a look at how Grainger has leveraged technology to fuel record growth and a coast-to-coast footprint. Read more in the March/April edition of Industrial Distribution ..read more

Late last year, McKinsey & Company explored the ins and outs of the supply chain by surveying industry leaders for its annual “Supply Chain Pulse” report. According to McKinsey, the findings shed new light on shifts in how businesses are managing the flow of goods, offering a fresh perspective specific to contemporary challenges. Among other key findings, the survey indicated the following: 95% reported challenges with their supply chain footprint in the last 12 months 50% reported their supply chains are reliant on another region and 89% plan to reduce this dependency with focus on Weste ..read more

Distributors do business across the country, which means entering into contracts with customers, suppliers and other parties in many different states. This also means that those contracts, and any disputes that arise relating to them, may be governed by the laws of a state other than the distributor’s home state. Most commercial contracts contain detailed provisions that address such issues as which state’s laws govern the document’s interpretation and apply in the event of a dispute, which court system (federal, state or an alternative dispute resolution forum like arbitration) will hear any ..read more

In mid-January the ransomware-as-a-service group Cactus was able to infiltrate the networks of Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Business Division. The hackers reportedly stole 1.5 terabytes of data and began a double-extortion campaign that included releasing 25 megabytes of sensitive data. Included in this release was individual passport information and other data related to customers of the global energy management and automation company. Cactus is one the fastest growing RaaS organizations, with claims to over 100 ransomware attacks within the last year. Their area of expertise appears t ..read more

In the shipbuilding industry, high-quality forgings such as long shafts, step shafts, propeller components and other shaped parts are essential for the construction of cruise liners, super tankers, LNG carriers, drill ships and other vessels. These precision-forged parts are often found in applications where it is critical to withstand challenging conditions. Open die forgings and seamless rolled rings have a greater lifespan than other products due to their strength and durability and are less prone to cracking or warping, making the option ideal for critical components requiring high tensile ..read more

Leading email defense and security solution provider Cofense Intelligence recently published an alert detailing the Malware-as-a-Service data theft threat Rhadamanthys Stealer. According to the company and their report, the campaign is utilizing phishing emails targeted specifically at the oil and gas industry. Their findings follow, with additional information available here. Based on a report by Cyberint, this malware family recently received a major update on the black market. Tactics include a high volume of phishing emails that employ tactics, techniques, and procedures kno ..read more

Multilevel automated warehouses raise the game for materials-handling logistics, adding sheer scale and compounding complexity for workflows, infrastructure and integration. In this blog, we break down seven of the biggest challenges that engineers and project managers face when rolling out multilevel warehouse automation solutions. We’ll also address how the powerful, optimized lifting capabilities offered by vertical reciprocating conveyors can help solve each of these challenges. Full Stack: Challenges of Multilevel Automation Multilevel warehouses are becoming more common as distributors l ..read more

Sewer maintenance is an ongoing challenge for cities and municipalities. Moreover, gaps in best practice training can cost public works departments unnecessary time and expense in labor, water and energy costs when cleaning sewer lines. Making matters worse, our comprehension of sewer line cleaning has evolved alongside the advancements in hose nozzle technologies, which in some cases directly contradicts current practices. So, when conducting training classes across North America, Dan Story, an Operations Manager and national trainer at KEG Technologies, first addresses a common misconception ..read more

Insufficient safety measures in warehouse and distribution centers can have severe repercussions, including injuries, operational downtime, product losses, property damages and potential legal actions. Of particular concern are accidents involving collisions between forklifts or other vehicles and employees or visitors. Within busy operations, it is quite possible that a forklift or other vehicle will eventually run into the rack. While the rack may not require immediate replacement, storage capacity and product throughput may be compromised for some time. If overloaded, or loaded incorrectly ..read more

In the newest issue of Industrial Distribution magazine, some of the industry’s up-and-coming players tell us their stories in the 2024 edition of the ID Watch List. We also visit with Wright Tool about their mission to forge truly American-made tools, and take a look at the M&A market in the new year. Plus, why a welding technology company is getting into the electric vehicle business. Read more in the January/February digital edition of Industrial Distribution ..read more