Lots of conversations regarding AI for distribution. Lots of application-specific initiatives, which is an approach. There are some more “comprehensive” systems, which is a different approach. What the right solution is is a company-specific conversation based upon goals, however, the […]
We’ve shared that lighting is a significant segment in the electrical distribution industry. Typically, it is 15% of a distributor’s business. More so if they are in the commercial construction segment and in a metropolitan area (and yes, the percentage […]
Channel friction inevitably occurs when money is involved. While the flow of money is always good, administering and reporting on it is where the friction comes about. This gets to the issue of “is the information accurate.” Achieving accuracy requires […]
Data is the lifeblood of every business. You need to know “the numbers” to track sales, manage inventory, pay bills. On a personal side, it is what drives commissions and payroll. But an underpinning of this information that is rarely […]
We jokingly say that there was a demarcation of business in 2020. There is BC and AC. Before Covid and After Covid. This Black Swan event changed many things. In the case of the electrical industry, it was the harbinger […]
An unfortunate trend within the electrical distribution market is that gross margins either stay flat or the have been eroded. Reasons range from chasing business to “it’s what the market bears.” From selling more commodities or a change in business […]
Twenty-five years ago, a CEO and President who had created one of the first electrical industry platforms told me manufacturer representatives should be compensated via monthly salaries rather than commissions as it was a more equitable system. What are Salespeople […]
Acuity shared their FY 2026 Q1 (really, 2025 CY Q4) results and their lighting business’ (ABL – Acuity Brands Lighting) performance was in line with our Q4 2025 Pulse of Lighting report findings … and we have no idea if […]
NEMRA has always been a very member-responsive association and actively involves both its independent manufacturer representative members and its manufacturers in committees and its board to not only gather input, but to assist in key leadership decisions. With its annual […]
As the calendar turned, many in the lighting industry said “good riddance” to 2025. It was a rocky road given the impact of tariffs on the project market and product pricing. At the end of the day for most it […]
