Industry Insights
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The $10 Trillion Opportunity Hiding in Plain Sight
Off-the-shelf technology often falls short of the needs of mid-sized distributors. Custom-built systems are expensive and inflexible.
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Watsco Details AI Strategy Built on Digital Scale
Watsco is applying AI across its analytics, ecommerce, and customer service tools.
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Sales Onboarding That Works: How Distributors Can Ramp New Reps Faster and Better
In distribution, onboarding’s not as simple as handing over a laptop and a pricing strategy.
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AI Power Demand Surges as Sustainability Lags, Creating Cost and Infrastructure Risks for Distributors
As AI investment continues at record pace, its environmental footprint is becoming impossible to ignore.
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Tariffs Increase Working Capital Risk: Simple Ways to Spot Exposure
Tariff shifts hit the front lines first, long before ERP rules adjust, and that mismatch triggers early buys, overrides, and inventory drift. If it goes unseen, capital gets trapped for an entire quarter. This piece breaks down the early warning signs any distributor can spot in under an hour. Quick Checklist: Spotting Tariff-Driven Working Capital…
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AI Is an Amplifier, Not a Shortcut: Prepare CRM with Clean Data
Think of CRM and AI the same way you think of giving a rep a target list.
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Henry Schein One Launches Embedded AI Workflows
“Our goal isn’t piecemeal AI and automation — it’s natively embedded AI with a purpose,” said Dr. Ryan Hungate, chief clinical and strategy officer at Henry Schein One.
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Amazon Business Activates AI Controls to Speed and Govern Corporate Purchasing
The capabilities, first announced Nov. 12 at the Amazon Business Reshape conference, are now active for select U.S. users.
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The AI Employment Paradox: What Distribution Leaders Must Decide
The conversation about AI and employment has moved from philosophical speculation to urgent strategic imperative.
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Critical Skills for Front-Line Leaders in Distribution
Part 8: Data Literacy and Performance Tracking.
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Worksport Turns to AI Logistics to Power Clean Technology Product Push
The distributor and manufacturer recently announced an AI-integrated distribution center in Shreveport, Louisiana.
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UNFI Highlights New AI Tools as Key Driver of Improved Fill Rates and Efficiency
UNFI’s deployment of Relex — an AI-driven forecasting and replenishment platform — is now running across half of the company’s distribution network.
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The Future of AI in Distribution Is No Longer Ahead—It’s Here
That sense of urgency is fueling strong early interest in Applied AI for Distributors 2026.
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Amazon’s New AI Agents Raise Customer Service Stakes for Distributors
The new capabilities signal how agentic systems may eventually take on larger portions of troubleshooting, quoting, and multi-step service workflows.
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Lowe’s Leans on AI to Cut Inventory and Lift Margins as SKU Reductions Advance
Lowe’s announced in 2024 that it would deploy AI-driven forecasting and replenishment technology.
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Why Your AI Pilots Keep Failing (And Why That’s Actually Fine)
Expect most pilots to fail. Plan for it. Budget for it.
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Proton.ai, Revenue Optics Partner to Update Distributors’ Inside Sales Model
Both companies are expanding to support additional customers.
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Applied AI for Distributors 2026: Why You Can’t Afford to Sit Out
Attend the only event on real-world AI execution in distribution.
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AI Capex Surge Signals a New Operating Reality for Distributors
Procurement budgets are tightening as organizations redirect capital toward AI infrastructure.
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Home Depot Highlights New AI Blueprint Takeoff Tool as Housing Weakens
Home Depot is accelerating its tech investments in the Pro segment, highlighted by a new AI-powered material estimation tool.