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Optimizing Distributor Profitability: Best Practices to a Stronger Bottom Line

F. Barry Lawrence, Ph.D., Senthil Gunasekaran, Pradip Krishnadevarajan

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Description

Have you ever wondered about the following questions?

  • Is it possible to achieve the ROI requirement implied by double-digit EBITDA multiples in most acquisitions?
  • What are the best practices performed by top-performing firms that differentiate them in terms of profitability/ROI?
  • Is there a systematic framework of best-practice implementation that can be adopted by wholesaler-distributors?
  • How do best practices enhance shareholder value?
  • Where is the link that connects process to profitability?

Authors Barry Lawrence, Senthil Gunasekaran, and Pradip Krishnadevarajan of Texas A&M University answer these questions and more.

There are 47 best practices in Optimizing Distributor Profitability: Best Practices to a Stronger Bottom Line and all were developed from actual experiences of 84 real wholesale distribution firms across our industry. This groundbreaking research study is not academic modeling or theory; it is a powerful weapon for you to use to enhance your shareholder value.

Optimizing Distributor Profitability also includes:

  • A five-step methodology with clear how-to-implement ideas and tools
  • 123 detailed exhibits that walk you through the processes
  • 50 action steps that you can implement today and over time
  • A separate, over-sized Distributor Profitability Framework map to hang on your wall to help you follow how business processes and financial drivers are linked to enhance shareholder value. 

This book is a collaboration of the NAW Institute and Texas A&M, two leaders in wholesale distribution education and training.



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What Readers Have to Say

"The information is organized very well, supported by robust research specifically on the distribution industry, presented in an easily digestible manner, and linked to real-world examples to help convert concepts into actionable items."
— David A. Larson, Vice President–Operations, DW Distribution Inc.
"We are impressed with the material and its potential impact on our profitability. Truly information and education for the times."
— Gary McKillican, President and CEO, McKillican International, Inc.
"A picture is worth a thousand words and the Distributor Profitability Framework map is worth a 100,000 words!"
— Ron Cedruly, CFO, Henrietta Building Supplies
"Thanks for the helpful insight and tools to lead my company into future profitability growth."
— Bob Borsh, President, House of Forgings
"The value received from this concept is immeasurable!"
— Tim Miller, Vice President–Operations, Security Contractor Services
"The work product developed and presented is outstanding!"
— Gary Bodam, Ph.D., Vice President–HR, Stuart C. Irby


Write a review »

Extended Description

Optimizing Distributor Profitability presents the basic idea—a wholesale distribution framework, and a five-step methodology in part 1. Then in part 2, it puts those ideas into action by applying them to each distributor business function (Source, Stock, Store, Sell, Ship, Supply Chain Planning, and Support Services). Each chapter includes the five-step methodology of process assessment as follows:

  • Step 1: Presents a template for you to use to identify where your firm stands in terms of common, good, and best practices.
  • Step 2: Shows how to use the Distributor Profitability Framework map (a separate insert that is included with the book) to understand the impact of any process gaps (identified in the previous steps) on shareholder value.
  • Step 3: Demonstrates how to quantify the impact of implementing a best practice on key financial drivers with financial statements. 
  • Step 4: Presents the compendium of best practices and how-to-implement details. 
  • Step 5: Highlights the critical implementation components and their role in execution.

Each chapter also presents a real-world example of a wholesaler-distributor (from various lines of trade) that identifies and implements process improvements and the impact of those improvements on shareholder value. Finally, each chapter concludes by showing exactly how you can apply the ideas and methodology to your firm.

About the Authors

F. Barry Lawrence, Ph.D.

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Barry is Director of the Industrial Distribution Program and the Global Supply Chain Lab at Texas A&M University. He is a Fellow of the NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence and an author of four books on distributor competitiveness. He serves as an adviser to the distribution channel on supply chain management, and is a frequent speaker for distribution associations and private firms on a wide range of supply chain topics.

Senthil Gunasekaran

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Senthil is an industry adviser, business manager, leading practitioner, and researcher at the Global Supply Chain Lab at Texas A&M University. Experienced across multiple lines of trade, he designs and directs industry projects focused on implementing best practices for wholesaler-distributors. He is an author of two books, and is an APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional.

Pradip Krishnadevarajan

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Pradip is a founding member of the Global Supply Chain Lab at Texas A&M University. He is an industry adviser, business manager, researcher, and author of two books. Experienced in diverse channels, he assists wholesaler-distributors with best practices, business decisions, education, and technical support.

NAW Institute LogoWhy NAW Institute Publications Are Different

NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence conducts research into strategic management issues affecting the wholesale distribution industry. Our research is conducted with best practice wholesaler-distributors, and we publish leading-edge research studies with practical application for wholesale distribution firms of all sizes and across all lines of trade.

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Order Softcover Books or E-Books!

  • In Search of the Perfect Customer: Cost-to-Serve for Distributors  Find out more »

  • Facing the Forces of Change®: Decisive Actions for an Uncertain Economy   Find out more »

  • Taking Charge of Distribution Sales: 9 Proven Skills to Lead and Manage Your Sales Team   Find out more »