When disasters strike, do you have established vendor relationships to help your company stay operational?
In one of my early editions, I discussed the hidden costs of variability in the supply chain. This is always a relevant topic worth discussing; in that edition, it focuses on shipping delays, raw material shortages, and uncertainty about when your products will arrive. At the time, you were used to your suppliers providing next-day shipping or local same-day pickup. Weekly stock orders arrive on the same day each week, like...
Is your dealership prepared to take on the electrification market shift?
As we enter the second quarter of 2025, the material handling industry continues to see the trend toward electrification and sustainability initiatives. While regulatory pressures have fluctuated, more end-users want to transition their forklift fleets to electric models over internal combustion engine (ICE) units. This shift is not confined to one region—it is reshaping fleet policies and dealership strategies nationwide as companies...
Is your parts department the backbone of your dealership? It better be
The parts department is often referred to as the backbone of a dealership. It provides essential support to the service team, ensures customers receive the necessary components and contributes significantly to the dealership’s bottom line. Despite its critical role, the parts department frequently encounters challenges in maintaining operational efficiency, keeping up with customer expectations, and competing with online resellers....
New Year actionable and proactive strategies that drive growth
Another January is upon us, and with it comes the opportunity to reflect on the year behind us and set our sights on what’s ahead. Cheers to the New Year! I hope that as you read this, your business and personal successes in 2024 have set a strong foundation for an even better 2025. Each January, we find ourselves looking at the challenges and opportunities facing our industry, and this year is no different. At the heart of it all,...
Manufacturers and Dealers need to embrace a new set of opportunities in 2025
As another December has arrived and 2024 winds down, you may be reflecting on a year filled with growth, innovation, and evolving challenges that you are facing in the industry and your local market. The close of one year offers a unique opportunity to assess the past and set sights on the future. Looking ahead to 2025, it’s clear that the industry will continue to face rapid changes, from advancements in technology to shifts in...
Enhancing Safety in the material handling area with Linde Reverse Assist Radar for Forklifts
Forklifts are essential to the efficiency of warehouse operations, often moving heavy loads and navigating through narrow aisles. However, operating forklifts comes with inherent risks, especially when reversing. Studies have shown that more than half of all industrial truck accidents happen when the vehicle reverses. This is primarily due to the driver’s limited view of the rear and blind spots. The challenge intensifies when...
Backorder management is more than just keeping parts flowing
I recently attended MHEDA’s Parts and Service Management Conference, and as is often the case with these industry events, I came away inspired with content for this month’s edition. One of the presenters was an industry colleague who gave an insightful presentation on backorder management and building processes for unforeseen delays. As she noted, a phrase that is all too common for parts and service managers is, “We’re just waiting...