Howard Coleman

Howard Coleman is the Principal of MCA Associates, a management consulting firm since 1986. MCA Associates works primarily with wholesale distribution companies that are seeking operational excellence. Coleman and his staff of Senior Consultants provide operational excellence - idea-leadership - and implement continuous improvement solutions focused on business process re-engineering, inventory and supply chain management, sales development and revenue generation, information systems and technology, organizational assessment and development, and succession planning. MCA Associates can be contacted at their corporate office in CT at 203-732-0603, at their Florida Southern Regional Office at 561-989-3221, or by email at hcoleman@mcaassociates.com. Visit their website at www.mcaassociates.com.

Performance Management

Business Reinvention: Distribution on the Cusp of Metamorphosis

We all need healthy cycles of planned renewal because consistency ultimately builds a culture of reinvention.

October 5, 2021

Howard Coleman

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You know, for me, the last 18-plus months have felt like a science fiction movie. Hasn’t it?

Performance Management

Tactical Vs. Strategic: Which Drives Your Metamorphosis Best?

Whether execution and firefighting will serve tomorrow’s distribution managers is still very much up in the air.

July 2, 2021

Howard Coleman

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Execution and firefighting historically were highly valued skills. Whether those same skills will serve tomorrow’s distribution managers is still very much up in the air.

Performance Management

Distribution Is on the Cusp of Metamorphosis

Adopt and employ these tips to create opportunities from disruption.

May 7, 2021

Howard Coleman

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For as long as the term “metamorphosis” has been in use, distribution management has been characterized by tacticians, focused on ensuring that orders rolled and were filled. Execution and firefighting were highly valued skills.

Performance Management

Safety Stock: Love It or Hate It? A Rebuttal

There’s a better way to recognize customer demand signals within your distribution network.

December 1, 2020

Howard Coleman

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An August article in the Wall Street Journal titled, “Why Are There Still Not Enough Paper Towels?” was extremely thought-provoking.

Performance Management

The Improvement Paradox

Sometimes incremental changes are not enough; you need to take the big leap for success.

October 14, 2020

Howard Coleman

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There are often times when incremental improvements, within a continuous improvement framework, are not enough.

Performance Management

Innovation Post-COVID-19: What’s the Plan?

We seem to be back in this loop of calling for innovation and transformation — new business models to meet the ‘new normal.’

July 6, 2020

Howard Coleman

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It’s been a terrible few months as COVID-19 has ruled our businesses day and night. We’ve also had concerns for families, friends and co-workers. But, as is often said, “This, too, shall pass.”

Performance Management

Is Robotics an Option for Smaller Companies?

Investing in robotics can be perceived as a significant task, but much faster and more straightforward than you may have thought.

June 1, 2020

Howard Coleman

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Investing in robotics can be perceived as a significant task, but much faster and more straightforward than you may have thought.

Performance Management

Is Robotics an Option for Smaller Companies?

Investing in robotics can be perceived as a significant task, but much faster and more straightforward than you may have thought.

April 15, 2020

Howard Coleman

No Comments

Wholesaler-distributors looking to become leaner and execute flawlessly are recognizing a rapidly changing landscape, pushing many to consider investments in core warehouse distribution operations to capture incremental efficiencies.

Performance Management

7 Ways to Find Talent: A Refresher

Expand your candidate sourcing tactics beyond job postings to discover the strongest, most qualified individuals.

January 6, 2020

Howard Coleman

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Nobody has to tell you how difficult it has become to find the “right people” to employ. Barring a recession, it doesn’t look like the situation will get any better soon.