Dick Friedman

For more than 40 years, Dick Friedman has been helping PHCP, HVAC and PVF supply houses prevent inventory shortages and warehouse mistakes that lose sales and customers; and helping select ERP, e-commerce and WMS systems, while avoiding the problems and pitfalls. Dick does not sell systems, software or warehouse technology. He is a certified management consultant and is objective and unbiased. Dick can be reached at 847/256-1410 for a free consultation, or visit www.GenBusCon.com for more information or to send e-mail.

Practical ways AI can help your warehouse

Artificial Intelligence is not magic.

Dick Friedman

Natalie Forster

September 8, 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not magic. From my perspective, in the context of distributors, AI is a combination of software and data to solve, and prevent, problems. The “software” is usually a distributor’s ERP system, modified to include AI logic / formulas, and potentially interacting with CRM and e-commerce systems, and using “data.”

Smart warehouse technologies

Steps to decide what warehouse technologies are best for a supply house.

Dick Friedman

February 5, 2021

Depending on the specifics of a warehouse, some “smart” technologies can help a supply house increase productivity and reduce mistakes.

Dick Friedman: Back to the future

Home Depot to buy HD Supply. What does it mean for you?

Dick Friedman

December 23, 2020

Once upon a time — 2006 to be exact — in a not far away land, Home Depot sold MRO products to the industrial and commercial markets. Top executives at Home Depot determined their strategy should be to focus on homeowners and home contractors, so they spun off MRO products into an entity dubbed HD Supply.

How distributors should adjust to the new normal

Opening back up requires careful adjustments in order to operate in this new era.

Dick Friedman

June 2, 2020

Unfortunately, during this lockdown the vast majority of PHCP, PVF and HVAC distributors are suffering from reduced sales, and consequently are operating with fewer, part-time and remotely working personnel.

Achieving a high-performance warehouse: think outside the box

Taking a step back to analyze simple warehouse operations can help move and control inventory more efficiently.

Dick Friedman

May 12, 2020

Distributors trying to prevent warehouse mistakes resulting in lost sales and customers need to go beyond evaluating procedures, controls and forms.

Top tips for managing the supply chain

Dick Friedman

November 30, 2017

Successful supply-chain management requires problem-free warehouse operations.

Top reasons why you should use barcode scanners

Dick Friedman

September 11, 2017

Here are a few recommendations that have helped barcode users increase warehouse accuracy to a very high level.

Inventory management tips

Where possible, store products by current velocity.

Dick Friedman

November 28, 2016

If the economy slows as a result of a downturn in manufacturing, PHCP, HVAC and PVF distributors should expect sales to decline.

Combating new competition

Dick Friedman

October 23, 2015

Additional competition is coming from Amazon Business, the replacement for Amazon Supply (but no PVF), Alibaba (where some products are sold in small quantities) and Grainger.