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Data & Analytics

Data: Most Distributors See Gaps in Readiness for Advanced Analytics

Just one-third of distributors we surveyed rate their core data largely or fully ready, and their commentary points to progress in reporting, alongside persistent challenges with integration, consistency and staffing. See our findings and analysis.

By Mike Hockett

November 13, 2026

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Distributors have spent years working to put better information behind pricing, inventory and customer decisions. MDM’s 2023 research on the state of data analytics in distribution explored how customer relationship management, business intelligence and pricing intelligence tools could improve visibility and help departments work from shared information.

The latest Baird-NAW Industrial Distribution Survey shows how much work respondents believe remains in that effort. Write-in responses describe years of investment in reporting and enterprise resource planning systems, alongside continuing…

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