Insights from the Future of Distribution
Thought leadership on AI and technology shaping manufacturing and distribution
5 Things I Learned at Applied AI for Distributors 2026
Four of us attended Applied AI for Distributors in Chicago. I gave a talk. Here are five takeaways from dozens of conversations with distributors and vendors — on AI messaging, legacy ERP friction, cloud trust, and what IT leaders actually want.
Where to Start With AI in Distribution
AI can feel like a giant menu of options. Most distributors don't have an 'AI problem'—they have a prioritization problem. Here's a practical map of AI opportunities and starter experiments.
From Pilot to Production in Distribution
A pilot that shows promise is the easy part. The hard part is turning that signal into a repeatable capability, without creating chaos for operations, margin surprises for finance, or distrust from frontline teams. Here's a practical guide to scaling AI safely.
How to Run an AI Pilot in Distribution Without Getting Stuck
Most AI pilots in distribution don't fail because the model is 'bad.' They fail because the pilot is too broad, the workflow isn't designed, the baseline is unclear, or no one owns the operational change. Here's a practical 2–6 week playbook.
How to Measure AI Experiment Impact in Distribution
AI pilots in distribution often fail for a boring reason: not because the model was "bad," but because the team never agreed on what success looks like. Here's a practical measurement playbook.
AI in Distribution - A Practical Getting-Started Playbook
AI in distribution is not primarily a technology challenge, it's a prioritization and execution challenge. This 4-part mini-series gives construction, building, and industrial distribution leaders direction without hype.
Stay Updated
Get the latest insights on AI, distribution, and manufacturing delivered to your inbox.