AI is moving into distribution. The question is what we do with it.

Distributors are experimenting with AI across sales, customer service, pricing, purchasing, inventory, operations and administrative work.

The tools are coming fast and furious. The opportunities are real.

But I think the more relevant question is:

Where can AI produce the greatest gains for our business?

And…

Are we ready to capture those gains?

AI doesn't automatically make a business better. The opportunity is to put it to work where it can improve productivity, customer service, efficiency and profitability, and to do it in a way that actually works for the business and its people.

I've spent most of my career in distribution and working with the contractors and customers these businesses serve. I'm interested in how we take what AI can do and connect it to the realities of running a distribution business.

I put some thoughts around this, and how I think about the path from exploring AI to actually putting it to work on my new page:

Making AI Work in Distribution

See the page MAKING AI WORK IN DISTRIBUTION | Ron Neary

I would also like to compare notes with distribution leaders who are thinking about this.

What are you seeing in your business?

Where do you think AI could make the biggest difference?