Subject Matter expert
Transforming Wholesale Distribution Warehousing with AI
From slotting to picking to labor planning, see where AI is earning its keep in distribution warehouses, and where it isn’t.
Warehousing has long been one of the most operationally intensive functions in wholesale distribution. As labor costs rise, order complexity increases, and customer expectations around speed and accuracy tighten, distributors are turning to AI to drive meaningful improvements in warehouse performance. The results are real, but so are the implementation challenges.
This session examines how AI is being applied across the warehouse environment, from demand-driven slotting and labor planning to picking optimization and inventory positioning. You’ll gain a grounded understanding of where AI delivers the strongest ROI in warehouse operations, what it takes to implement successfully, and how to evaluate the tools and vendors shaping this space.
Key Takeaways
- AI applications delivering measurable results in distribution warehouse operations
- Implementation requirements, including data readiness, technology integration, and change management
- Evaluation criteria for AI-powered warehouse tools and vendors
- Realistic ROI expectations and how leading distributors are measuring success
What You’ll Learn
- How AI is being applied to core warehouse functions, including slotting, labor planning, picking optimization, and inventory positioning.
- Implementation requirements for AI in warehouse environments, including data readiness, integration with existing WMS and ERP systems, and change management considerations.
- How to evaluate AI-powered warehouse tools and vendors, including capability assessment, total cost of ownership, and implementation support.
- How leading distributors are measuring ROI from warehouse AI initiatives and what realistic performance improvements look like.
Join Us
Join us on May 19, 2026 at 9PT/12ET to explore how AI is transforming warehouse operations in wholesale distribution.
Speaker
Will Quinn
The Distribution Guy®
Sponsors
Speaker
Will Quinn
The Distribution Guy®
Will Quinn, known as The Distribution Guy, has spent 25+ years at the intersection of people, process, and technology. Leading distribution centers for Coca-Cola, Grainger, MSC Industrial Supply, WEG, Capstone Logistics, and Infor, he’s witnessed warehouse operations evolve from paper pick tickets to AI-driven automation.
As a consultant, writer, speaker, and educator, Will helps distributors, manufacturers, and logistics leaders cut through the noise and focus on what matters: empowering teams, building trust, and using technology to serve people, not replace them. His approach is grounded in candor, respect, and common sense. Great operations start with great communication, and every improvement begins by listening to the people doing the work.
Host
Brian Hopkins
Chief Operations Officer, Distribution Strategy Group
Brian Hopkins is recognized for his expertise in customer service and operational efficiency within the industrial distribution sector. His career trajectory showcases a series of impactful leadership roles, marked by innovation and strategic growth.