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

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

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

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.

Amazon Supply still is not selling china or fiberglass, but it does offer more than 54,000 fittings, valves, tubing, pumps and meters.

The list of competitors is growing.

Remember that most of the slow/no movers were initially purchased because there was demand or someone thought there would be demand.

While contemplating the use of automation, remember proper warehouse organization and the procedures and controls followed are the foundation for effective operations. The less automation involved, the greater the need for organization and discipline.

What could the recent sale of The Washington Post have to do with PHCP, PVF and HVACR supply houses? Once you understand who bought the newspaper that brought down a U.S. president and what this individual has accomplished, you will understand the threat he poses to supply houses.  

 If you think AmazonSupply is a threat to PHCP supply houses, you “ain’t seen nothing yet.”