The AI ordering tool is one piece of broader technology and productivity push.
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For distributors, this signals a future where orders may be initiated and completed by AI systems rather than by buyers manually browsing ecommerce sites.
Customer service orientation is not a department.
It is an operational mindset that starts inside the four walls.
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It’s not too late, but if you wait the AI gap gets wider.
Distributors that historically optimized digital content for human browsing may need to rethink their data architecture for machine consumption.
The distributors that succeed will be the ones who reframe modernization as gaining control of pricing data, pricing decisions, and pricing direction.
The capabilities, first announced Nov. 12 at the Amazon Business Reshape conference, are now active for select U.S. users.
The conversation about AI and employment has moved from philosophical speculation to urgent strategic imperative.
Part 8: Data Literacy and Performance Tracking.
The distributor and manufacturer recently announced an AI-integrated distribution center in Shreveport, Louisiana.
UNFI’s deployment of Relex — an AI-driven forecasting and replenishment platform — is now running across half of the company’s distribution network.
That sense of urgency is fueling strong early interest in Applied AI for Distributors 2026.
The new capabilities signal how agentic systems may eventually take on larger portions of troubleshooting, quoting, and multi-step service workflows.
Lowe’s announced in 2024 that it would deploy AI-driven forecasting and replenishment technology.
Google’s AI Trends Report – What It Means For Distributors Google’s latest AI trends report identifies five forces reshaping business in 2025. For wholesale distributors, these aren’t just tech industry abstractions—they’re competitive realities
Expect most pilots to fail. Plan for it. Budget for it.
Both companies are expanding to support additional customers.
Attend the only event on real-world AI execution in distribution.
Procurement budgets are tightening as organizations redirect capital toward AI infrastructure.
Home Depot is accelerating its tech investments in the Pro segment, highlighted by a new AI-powered material estimation tool.
93% of distributors expect increased AI usage, but many are not beyond exploration.
For distributors the Salesforce update is a big indicator that digital commerce is moving B2B into AI-native environments.
AI is transforming industrial exoskeletons by enabling the devices to adapt to individual users.
For distributors, the takeaway is direct: competing in this environment requires deeper integration with customers.
This article makes the case for a strategic shift: treating sales talent not as a cost center, but as a growth engine.
The centerpiece is the Amazon Business Assistant, a conversational AI tool for procurement.
CEO Christine Leahy said the company is “embedding AI into the core of how we operate, serve, and grow.”
The distinction between distributor and service provider is beginning to blur.
Every time the unexpected happens, your reaction teaches your team how to handle the next one.
US Foods is turning artificial intelligence from a pilot project into everyday infrastructure — and it’s paying off.
An annual conference that prioritizes education for agency principals.
The outcome may determine if distributors keep their direct line to customers.
How Leading Distributors Are Turning Data into Competitive Advantage
The front door to B2B buying and selling is being rebuilt.
By combining cloud computing, data, and AI, Henry Schein is positioning itself as more than a healthcare distributor.
Amazon’s “agentic commerce” agenda signals the next transformation in digital distribution.