Unified commerce platforms paired with agentic AI are helping distributors eliminate “phantom margin loss,” optimize fulfillment and unlock real-time decision-making — shifting operations from reactive workflows to autonomous, profit-driven systems that boost growth, efficiency and customer experience at scale. This piece explores the work being done here and the factors at play that determine success rates.
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Proton.ai launched an AI-powered “industry cloud” platform that unifies CRM, PIM, eCommerce and order automation into a single system, aiming to replace disconnected point solutions and streamline distributor workflows with shared data and integrated intelligence.
CRM implementations often fail for a simple reason — sales teams don’t see personal value in using them. This contributed piece explores how distributors can shift CRM from a management reporting tool into a sales advantage that reps actually want to use.
Executives say AI is becoming mandatory at work, but that message isn’t fully reaching employees. A new survey highlights a growing perception gap between leadership expectations and how workers actually view and use AI.
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It positions the AI-powered B2B commerce platform — launched in 2020 — for continued expansion.
The first of this three-part series explores how a mid-market distributor built the leadership discipline, internal foundations and cultural alignment to make innovation scalable, repeatable and durable.
Data is supposed to be your most valuable asset. But without context, governance and clear action triggers, even the best data becomes noise. Learn how cut through the clutter.
Pepper said the Series C funding will expand its AI-powered platform for independent food distributors, accelerating product innovation, ERP integrations and go-to-market efforts across ordering, sales, receivables and embedded payments workflows.
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AI is reshaping distributor CRM — but only when backed by the right platform strategy. In this episode of the MDM Amplify Podcast, LeadSmart's Kevin Brown breaks down smart AI adoption, data integration and how distributors can turn customer intelligence into measurable growth. We also touch on his 30 years of perspective in the industrial supply channel and share takeaways from NAW's 2026 Executive Summit.
Eric Hoplin, NAW CEO, testified to the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce’s Subcommittee on Workforce Protections on how the distribution industry is deploying AI.
AI can make room for the human connection that actually wins business. Read how artificial intelligence in distribution can reengineer highly manual processes into ones that are faster, more accurate, and yes, more human.
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The acquisition strengthens Klipboard's SaaS presence in the U.S. wholesale distribution market.
Amazon estimates the new benefits aimed to support financial management, cybersecurity and HR could amount to nearly $1,000 in yearly value for qualifying members.
The partnership will make it easier for technicians and service providers to identify and purchase parts for warranty jobs.