Integrated Tech for Building Supply Deliveries: A Four-Part Podcast Series

For building supply distributors, delivery performance is one of the strongest competitive differentiators. Customers expect accurate delivery windows, consistent execution, and clear accountability at the jobsite. As operations grow, disconnected systems for routing, telematics, safety, proof of delivery, and mobile workflows often create blind spots, inefficiencies, and added risk. 

This four-part podcast series brings together experts from Descartes, Geotab, Lytx, and Zebra Technologies for in-depth discussions on how building supply distributors are unifying their technology ecosystems. Each episode focuses on key operational challenges and shares practical insights on improving performance, visibility, and control from planning through delivery.

Rising delivery expectations are putting pressure on building supply distributors to make better promises and consistently keep them. Offering reliable delivery windows is one of the most persistent challenges, especially when capacity is constantly changing. 

In this episode, industry experts discuss how connecting routing, scheduling, telematics, and safety systems helps distributors improve delivery performance and decision-making, including: 

• Offering delivery windows based on true logistics capacity as orders come in 
  
  
• Improving on-time, in-full performance with real-time operational visibility 
  
  
• Empowering dispatchers and drivers to make faster, more confident decisions 
  

Many distributors rely on multiple systems that operate independently, creating gaps between planning, execution, and performance analysis. These gaps limit visibility and make it difficult to respond quickly when conditions change. 

In this episode, industry leaders explain what true integration looks like and why it matters. They explore how connecting hardware, telematics, routing, dispatch, and video systems create a unified operational view that allows teams to act in real time.

• Compare planned versus actual delivery performance in real time 
  
  
• Gain visibility across safety, productivity, and execution in one workflow 
  
  
• Reduce manual work and operational blind spots through system integration

Delivery disputes and damage claims are costly and time-consuming for building supply distributors. Without clear documentation and contextual data, resolving issues often leads to settlements that erode margins and strain customer relationships. 

In this episode, the panel discusses how connected proof of delivery, telematics, and video technologies work together to protect deliveries and control costs by enabling distributors to: 

• Capture digital proof of delivery with photos, signatures, timestamps, and location data 
  
  
• Reduce false claims and speed resolution with video and telematics evidence 
  
  
• Improve driver accountability and proactively reduce safety risk 

“After installing video telematics, many fleets realize they’re not at fault for nearly as many collisions as they thought. Evidence protects both drivers and business.” – Jacob Gafa, Channel Sales Manager, Lyt

As building supply distribution continues to evolve, distributors must be able to adapt without disrupting daily operations. Managing change requires systems that centralize data, reduce complexity, and support both front and back-office teams. 
 

This episode walks through a connected, end-to-end delivery operation and explains how a unified logistics and telematics ecosystem helps distributors: 

• Support consistent execution across scheduling, routing, warehouse, and delivery 
  
  
• Improve safety, productivity, and service using shared, real-time data 
  
  
• Build a flexible operational foundation that supports growth and change 

Taken together, these conversations offer a clear view into how building supply distributors are approaching the challenges of modern delivery operations. By examining real-world scenarios across planning, execution, safety, and proof of delivery, the series highlights how connected systems help teams operate with greater clarity and consistency. Whether you are evaluating your current technology stack or simply looking to learn how peers are navigating change, these discussions provide practical perspective on what it takes to support reliable delivery performance over time.

Graham Parfeniuk, Sr. Account Executive, Descartes

Graham Parfeniuk is a Senior Account Executive at Descartes, specializing in helping building supply distributors optimize fleet operations and streamline last-mile logistics. With nearly six years at Descartes, Graham works closely with businesses to improve delivery efficiency, enhance customer service, and drive operational improvements using Descartes’ Routing, Mobile, and Telematics solutions. Passionate about solving real-world logistics challenges, he partners with distributors to navigate industry complexities and achieve measurable results.  

Lori Olson, Team Lead, Signature Accounts, Geotab

Lori is a passionate customer advocate with 10+ years in the fleet industry. She excels at building relationships and helping customers leverage data to achieve their goals. As a lifelong learner, she thrives on challenges and embraces opportunities for growth. Lori's experience includes entrepreneurship, product launches, industry committee leadership, and developing a successful mentorship program. She believes success is a journey, not just a destination. 

Jacob Gafa, Channel Sales Manager, Lytx

Jacob has been a part of the Lytx family since May of 2023. Prior to Lytx, Jacob worked at a startup telematics company for five years, where he wore many hats, including roles in product development, operations, warehouse management, technical support, account management, and sales. This company sold various products from GPS tracking and ELD to dash cameras. It was here that Jacob learned about the capabilities of AI dash cameras and their significant safety impact in reducing risky behaviors, saving lives, and saving companies millions of dollars on claims.

Andre Luecht, Global Strategy Lead, Zebra Technologies

Andre is the global strategy lead for Transport and Logistics at Zebra Technologies. He spent the last 25+ years in the supply chain, transport, and logistics field, both as a provider of technologies and services and as a customer.  
His international career includes multiple senior leadership roles such as Global Vice President for DHL and General Manager for TNT/FedEx which had him posted in India, Belgium, Germany, and Singapore. Most recently, he ran North American operations for one of the largest food packaging distributors.