AI in Distribution: Where 400+ Leaders Are Investing Today
Discover how 400+ industry leaders are approaching AI in distribution and learn where to focus using insights from the research report and webinar with MDM and NAW.
Read the Report
The 5 High-Impact Areas for AI in Distribution
- Where distributors are prioritizing artificial intelligence (AI) investments across the business
- Which use cases are becoming table stakes and where early movers are gaining advantage
- The gap between AI expectations and real-world results, and how to close it
- Why logistics and delivery may be the most underutilized AI opportunity today
- How quickly organizations are moving from pilot to scale, and what is driving success
Based on the largest AI-focused survey ever conducted in distribution, this research provides a clear, data-driven view of how the industry is evolving.
Access the full findings in the report and hear directly from industry experts as they break down key findings, share real-world examples, and discuss how distributors can prioritize AI investments for maximum impact.
1. Pricing and margin optimization
2. Inventory and demand planning
3. AI-enhanced customer service
4. Predictive sales enablement
5. Logistics and delivery
Watch the Webinar & Explore the Latest on AI in Distribution
In this session, industry experts break down the research findings and share how distributors are approaching AI today. The discussion covers where organizations are seeing traction, where adoption is lagging, and how teams are navigating the transition from pilot to scaled deployment.
It also explores why logistics and delivery may represent one of the most underutilized opportunities for applying AI in distribution, despite rising costs and increasing service expectations.
Why Logistics May Be the Biggest AI Opportunity in Distribution
AI initiatives in distribution have largely focused on pricing and inventory. Logistics and delivery have received less attention, despite their direct impact on cost, service, and customer experience.
Many distributors have not yet prioritized AI in this area, creating an opportunity for early progress. As delivery costs rise and expectations increase, investments in AI-driven logistics capabilities can help improve performance and consistency.
AI in logistics is already being applied across a range of capabilities, including route planning and optimization, predictive analytics, and delivery performance. These use cases support broader operational improvements rather than focusing on a single function.
The impact can be significant. AI-powered logistics solutions can increase route density, reduce miles and fuel consumption, and improve on-time performance while supporting a better customer experience.
Turning AI Potential into Measurable Performance
AI in distribution continues to generate strong interest, but many organizations are still working toward consistent results at scale.
Progress often comes from focusing on high-impact use cases, building a solid data foundation, and committing to a clear path from experimentation to operational deployment. For many distributors, that means moving beyond isolated AI initiatives and applying intelligence directly to core operations like logistics and delivery. These areas offer opportunities to reduce costs, improve service levels, and drive efficiency, yet remain underutilized across the industry.
AI is only as valuable as the outcomes it delivers. With the right approach and foundation in place, distributors can move beyond experimentation to scalable, measurable impact over time.
Want to Learn More? Speak with an Expert.
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