Channel Performance Analysis
We start with a deep dive into data: sales and margins by channel, discount/rebate usage, and any channel-specific price lists or programs. We construct price waterfalls for each channel – e.g., for the distribution channel, starting from your list price, subtracting distributor discount, then any year-end rebate, etc., to arrive at your pocket margin. This analysis often requires consolidating data from different sources (ERP for billing, CRM for deals, perhaps distributor claim data for rebates). We identify where there’s high variance. For example, we might find one distributor getting an extra rebate that others don’t, or that your direct sales often overrides list prices in certain regions. These findings highlight inconsistencies and opportunities.