A strategic planning process is critical for distribution companies for one simple reason. Not unlike personal financial planning, distribution executives have to select the best investments needed now to create profitable growth in the future. If you fail to make the right commitments at the right time, you will miss opportunities and increase your risk.

This paper outlines a set of core analytics customized for wholesaler-distributors. Take these three steps to ensure you maximize your potential in the market and use the tools provided to optimize your efforts:

1) Understand your profitability

2) Get the most out of your markets

3) Build a big picture of your markets.