5 Great Online Resources for LA Distributors

Could you do with a little guidance when it comes to improving your inventory turn, or warehouse or bin management, or improving shipping efficiency or reducing logistical costs? Are you unsure of the latest software developments or what the market leaders in your industry are doing to stay ahead? Worry no longer; the Internet is home to a wide variety of resources that can help you get a grip on the ever-changing face of distribution, regardless of the problem you’re attempting to solve.

Leverage the internet properly and you’ll soon be wowing customers and vendors with all your new found knowledge.

In no particular order, here are five great online resources for LA distributors, each offering a wealth of assistance and information pertaining to the distribution sector that we hope you find beneficial and, perhaps, come to regard as invaluable:

1. The Warehousing Education and Research Council

Starting life as a grassroots effort in 1977, the WERC is the go-to association for logistics professionals. Its website is regularly updated with a wealth of resources, events and helpful links for those in the distribution profession, and its online learning center features easily-accessible material and courses that will further business and understanding.

2. MIT Open Courseware

When you’re working in an industry as diverse as distribution and logistics, it really does pay to keep ahead of the competition. That’s why we’re listing MIT Open Courseware in this top five, as it will enable you and your team to study a range of topics that are applicable to the business you’re in. While such studies won’t lead to any official qualification, you’ll be accessing material from some of the world’s best teachings – that’s priceless in this game.

3. The International Warehouse Logistics Association

The IWLA is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, a testament to its usefulness. The site boasts a members’ area, events and educational program, industry news, links to legislation, and a library of information that would be useful for anyone working within logistics. In addition, the IWLA offers access to a number of councils that can be joined by members of the warehouse and distribution industry, each offering tailored advice and resources; a comprehensive service when you need it most.

4. The Data Warehousing Institute

As a distributor, you’ll be used to handling a lot of data at any one time – or you should be. If the idea of managing such large amounts of information is new or alien to you, TDWI can help with a series of web-based resources, access to conferences, and a functioning community filled with advice and examples. It’s a rather specific resource, and one that isn’t only limited to the distribution industry, but you’ll find its advice invaluable.

5. American Warehouse Systems

AW Systems offers a ‘one project/one vendor’ resource for warehouses and distributors across America, ensuring they have the very best equipment and storage solutions for you, regardless of your requirements. In addition, their site has a variety of PDF documents available for download, each covering a different aspect of business. AW Systems can improve your business’s efficiency with one click of your mouse.

Of course, these are just some of the manufacturing and distribution specific online resources that you could be taking advantage of. What are some of your favorites? Please share with us the resources you tap into in the Comments section below.

If you own or manage a distribution or manufacturing company in Los Angeles, and you’re looking to stay up to date on the latest technology, be sure to download your free guide, How COOs at Los Angeles Distributors and Manufacturers Get More Done: A Guide to Productivity, Data, Staffing, Delegation, and Making It Home for Dinner Most Nights.