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LACK OF FUNDING HAMSTRINGS U.S. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES PROGRAMS
Funding for state and local weights and measures programs has seriously decreased and, in some cases, is in danger of disappearing. The total number of jurisdictions enforcing weights and measures laws and regulations has dropped from 750 to approximately 620 in the last few years, accompanied by a decline of as many as 1000 inspectors. In addition, reductions in state Weights and Measures funding have resulted in states not adopting current standards developed by the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM). This failure has led to a lack of uniformity in weights and measures regulations and enforcement across the United States.
A Fair Measurement Appropriation Act has been drafted by a prominent member of our industry. This proposal would establish and authorize a Weights and Measures Assistance Program to provide financial assistance to states to secure uniformity in weights and measures laws and methods of inspection.
Through this proposal, we have the opportunity to influence how and what changes are implemented to the way weights and measures is carried out. We, as a society, can work together to ensure that our voice is heard.
The ISWM Board of Directors has voted to support this proposal. Your support is requested to help get this legislation introduced and considered by Congress. We ask that you write to your Congressional Representative and ask their support on this critical issue -- critical not only to our industry, but to the public in general.
About the author of the Fair Measurement Appropriation
Aves Thompson is Director of the Division of Measurement Standards and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement in the Alaska Department of Transportation. Aves is also a past Chairman of the National Conference on Weights and Measures and has served as Chairman of the National Type Evaluation Committee and is a past President of the Western Weights and Measures Association. Please click
here for information on how you can reach Aves.
DEALING WITH FORCES OF CHANGE
Few would question the changes that have occurred within our industry over the past decade. Change has been painful for many and provided opportunities for others.
Dr. Adam Fein of Pembroke Consulting recently addressed "Forces of Change"
that will impact dealers and distributors of industrial equipment. He suggests the ways we make money and grow will be rewritten, and he highlights the most important trends with which we must deal. Some may surprise you. The industry's future leaders are dealing with these today.
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Customer Self-Service - Customers will accept more responsibility in transactions. For instance, do pre-purchase research online instead of investing that time with a sales person, or checking an order status online instead of calling. Dealers no longer control information needed by customers. The sales person's perceived value is eroded. Why pay for the sales person?
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Strategic Sourcing - Large customers will leverage buying power, centralize purchasing, minimize providers to a core few.
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Fee-based services - Not new
fees for old services, but rather new fees for innovative services that provide value. His research shows manufacturers
, also under price pressure, will add their own fee-based services directly to users, with or without the dealer.
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Logisitcs and Fulfillment Companies - 3PL's are already offering customers complete supply chain solutions. Suppliers with treat 3PL's are viable alternatives to dealers.
Although sales changes are in part being redefined, opportunities exist.
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