Technology Archives

Podcast: Tom McFadyen on How AI Is Reshaping B2B Commerce

AI is reshaping B2B commerce faster than most distributors are prepared for. In this sponsored episode of the MDM Amplify Podcast, Tom McFadyen of McFadyen Digital breaks down AEO and AI-driven search, how to prioritize high-impact use cases and why agentic commerce could redefine how distributors compete in the years ahead.

May 5, 2026

Data & Analytics

Market Analytics, Pt. 2: The Growth Engine – Sales Transformation Starts with Data

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May 4, 2026

Operations

Amazon Opens its Logistics Network to All Businesses. Here’s What Distributors Should Know

The move positions the company as a full-service supply chain provider — raising the bar for delivery speed, integration and competition across distribution. Get the details here and our analysis of what it means for distributors.

May 4, 2026

Technology Provider News

Augment Acquires Merlin, Taps Applico Team to Drive AI Push in Distribution

Supply chain productivity platform Augment has acquired stealth startup Merlin to enter wholesale distribution, integrating AI capabilities into its Augie platform and targeting quote-to-cash workflows for distributors.

April 29, 2026

ERP

Do You Really Need to Move On From Your Legacy ERP?

Does your ERP actually need replacing? This piece argues distributors should resist fear-driven upgrades and weigh timing, strategy and hidden migration risks — noting that modernization doesn’t always require a full system overhaul.

April 27, 2026

Expert Perspective

Podcast: Build the Back End First — Why Execution Beats Tech Any Day

Ludwig Meister Co-CEO Max Meister joins the Podcast to explain why innovation fails without execution — and why AI won’t fix bad data. We also preview his SHIFT main stage session on benchmarking digital, data, sales and culture maturity.

April 23, 2026

Building Materials/Construction

From Order-Takers to Demand Generators: Building Materials’ Next Shift

Distribution always had rich data on new construction — but almost nothing on the market that's already standing. The replacement and renovation market has been a data desert for decades. That's starting to change with AI.

April 22, 2026

Data & Analytics

Distribution Market Analytics 101: What Building the Foundation Looks Like

Most distributors track internal performance — but lack a clear view of market opportunity. As the first in a three-part series, this article outlines how market analytics reframes growth by defining markets, estimating share and identifying where opportunity is underdeveloped.

April 21, 2026

Consumer/Retail

Home Depot Acquires Warehouse Automation Startup SIMPL

It follows a pilot of SIMPL’s technology at a Georgia HD distribution center.

April 15, 2026

Featured Blog

Digital, Data and CX: How Stellar Industrial Turns Technology into Competitive Advantage

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April 15, 2026

CRM

SugarCRM Rebrands as SugarAI to Emphasize AI-Driven CRM Capabilities

The move highlights the company’s push into AI-powered CRM that delivers predictive insights and next-best actions to help distributors and B2B sellers drive smarter, more proactive customer engagement.

April 15, 2026

HVACR

Bluon Launches PartsConnect to Link HVAC Contractors with Local Distributor Inventory

Bluon has launched PartsConnect, a new app feature that helps HVAC technicians quickly find compatible replacement parts and see local distributor availability, streamlining service workflows and improving contractor access to in-stock inventory.

April 15, 2026

Grocery & Foodservice Distribution

Gordon Food Service Taps RELEX to Upgrade Forecasting, Replenishment

Gordon Food Service is partnering with RELEX Solutions to improve demand forecasting and replenishment, aiming to boost inventory accuracy, streamline planning and better align supply with customer demand across its distribution network.

April 9, 2026

Technology Provider News

Canals Launches End-to-End Operating AI Suite for Distributors

Canals has launched an expanded “Operating AI” platform that automates workflows across customer service, sales and back-office functions, aiming to help distributors reduce manual work, improve accuracy and deliver faster, more consistent customer responses. Get the details here.

April 8, 2026

Technology Provider News

Parspec Launches Project Management Tool to Extend AI Platform Capabilities

Co-developed with major electrical distributors, Parspec unifies quoting and post‑award execution to reduce manual coordination and give contractors real‑time visibility into orders and deliveries.

April 8, 2026

Technology

AI’s Customer Service Impacts, and How to Choose the Right Tech Partner

In this sponsored MDM Amplify podcast episode, Canals Co-Founder and CTO Erez Arnon joins to unpack what MDM’s latest AI research reveals about customer service as one of distribution’s highest-impact use cases. Just as importantly, Arnon shares practical guidance on how to vet AI vendors in a crowded, hype-filled market, including key red flags and must-have proof points.

April 3, 2026

The Data Problem Killing Your AI Investment

Most distributors aren’t failing at AI — they’re failing at data. This piece unpacks why 95% of GenAI efforts deliver no ROI, how agentic AI is changing workflows, and why a unified data foundation is becoming the real competitive edge.

March 31, 2026

Technology Provider News

Oracle Launches Agentic Applications Across its Fusion Cloud Suite

Oracle has launched a new suite of Fusion agentic AI applications — embedded directly in its cloud platform — that use coordinated AI agents to automate workflows, make decisions and execute tasks across finance, HR, supply chain and customer experience functions.

March 30, 2026

Legal & Regulatory Issues

Trump Administration Proposes Federal AI Standard

The administration is pushing for a single federal AI standard to replace a growing patchwork of state rules. If enacted, the framework could simplify compliance for distributors and accelerate AI adoption across the sector — with broad implications for software vendors and digital strategy. Here's what to know.

March 23, 2026

Electrical

Sonepar USA Completes Advanced Cybersecurity Certification

The designation allows Sonepar to support customers across federally regulated sectors, including defense-related industrial manufacturing, contractors and critical infrastructure.