Distribution Strategy Group

Renowned AI strategist Noelle R. Russell will share real-life case studies and practical frameworks to harness AI’s potential ethically and profitably at Applied AI for Distributors, June 24-26 in Chicago. This session will offer distributors the tools to build an ethical AI culture, mitigate risks and unlock true value, making it an ideal starting point for responsible innovation. She recently shared a preview of her session with Ian Heller. ?? Learn more or register now for Applied AI for Distributors: https://lnkd.in/ghdQ2tjM

Join us for a webinar, “Measuring What Matters: Customer Satisfaction and Market Demand Analytics,” on March 19 at 9 PT / 12 ET. This webinar will equip you with the knowledge to effectively use analytics tools, leading to improved performance and strategic advantages. Join us to learn: ? How to interpret complex data sets to make strategic decisions that positively impact your organization ? How leading distributors are using integrated analytics for greater impact ? How to identify spending gaps, measure customer potential and implement targeted strategies that increase your share of customer spend across product categories Register now: https://lnkd.in/gtJQzsTH

With potential productivity boosts of up to 200%, distributors face a decision: Adapt GenAI or fall behind. Yet, many leaders are stuck navigating a sea of hype without actionable guidance on effectively integrating AI. Trent Gillespie will be cutting through the hype in his presentation at the 2025 Applied AI for Distributors event June 24-26 in Chicago. He shares a preview of his session with Ian Heller below. After you watch, check out the rest of the agenda here: https://lnkd.in/ga5y9cB3

?? Now Available: The 2025 State of AI in Distribution Get the latest report from Distribution Strategy Group by Jonathan Bein Ph.D. We looked at where distributors are in their AI journeys and their plans for the next three to five years. We found that: ??Distributors overwhelmingly see AI as important, and it’s actively being deployed. ??Usage is rapidly increasing, especially in marketing and website applications. ??Efficiency is currently a key driver of AI investment for distributors. ??Generative AI is already embedded in the daily work of nearly three-quarters of distributors’ teams. ??AI will reshape the workforce in the distribution industry, reducing headcount by as much as a third or more over the next five years as staff move from repetitive tasks to higher-value roles. Get your copy now: https://lnkd.in/gR46HqQt Thank you to our sponsors: Endeavor AI and Infor

DSG’s COO Brian Hopkins recently shared his personal journey with large language models like ChatGPT and how they’ve significantly transformed his productivity. In his newest article, he wants to take you even deeper into what he’s learned from his personal experience and from discussions at our Distribution Strategy Group events. He is particularly excited about how these tools can transform entire departments. Read more of Brian’s tips and insights on leveraging AI: https://lnkd.in/gbx_XUp6 And join us for the Applied AI for Distributors conference, June 24-26 in Chicago. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ghdQ2tjM

We're 5 minutes away from our annual, "State of Distributor Technology" webinar and survey results review. Sign up to jump in live or to access the recording. See below.

Distributors are already seeing early wins with AI in improving sales effectiveness. Join us on March 12, 9 PT/12 ET, for an expert panel discussion on how AI can give your sales team an edge. You’ll learn how AI can: Guide sales reps to spend time with the right prospects at the right time Personalize outreach at scale across channels, ensuring every interaction is relevant Automate follow-ups, reminding your team when to check in with customers Spot upsell and cross-sell opportunities to boost average order value and grow wallet share Reduce the busy work for sales teams, letting them focus on strengthening relationships Our panel includes Kristen Thom (Dooley), Varun Sridharan, Zach Pretzell?and Chris Fisher. This session will focus on real-world applications of AI in distribution. If you can’t make it live, be sure to register to get a link to watch on-demand: https://lnkd.in/gyeKKpMP Thank you to our sponsors: White Cup , Infor, Endeavor and ECI EvolutionX

If distributors want to get the most out of AI, they need to embrace Design Thinking. That means: ?? Empathizing with stakeholders ?? Defining the problem to be solved with AI ?? Ideating solutions using lessons from other industries ?? Prototyping a solution before scaling it ?? Testing and iterating the solution for continuous improvement Ultimately, it’s about focusing on the problem first, not the technology. For more, read this from Raj Mahalingam: https://lnkd.in/g-HDdFTr Want to map a plan for AI for your business? Join us June 24-26 in Chicago for Applied AI for Distributors. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ghdQ2tjM

DSG’s Brian Hopkins has personally invested significant time into understanding Large Language Models like ChatGPT because he sees potential to make teams far more efficient and, frankly, better at what they do. ? In our latest State of AI in Distribution research, we found that among respondents, 63% are using ChatGPT. Of those using ChatGPT and similar platforms, 39% are using them daily and 32% weekly. This isn’t experimental usage; it’s becoming a core part of how we operate. Even if you think you have policies in place to limit your team from using them, they probably still are! Get Brian’s take in his latest article on where these tools can have the biggest impact: https://lnkd.in/g-Pd_M5q And join us at Applied AI for Distributors, June 24-26 in Chicago to learn more about how distributors are using these tools: https://lnkd.in/ghdQ2tjM

With tariffs potentially leading to cost increases, distributors can protect their profits by: ??Strengthening communication with their strategic suppliers and being transparent with their customers. ??Streamlining their cost-change process to avoid costly delays. ??Managing their backlog margin risk to prevent surprises. ??Reviewing net prices and contract commitments, and renegotiating if necessary. ??Taking a cross-functional approach to handling the effects of tariffs. For more on how your company can withstand tariff-related uncertainty, read this article from Scott Sinning: https://lnkd.in/gsYeGi3A ??