The order-management lifecycle is ripe for automation — especially in the form of artificial intelligence.

Supply chains need to integrate and collaborate with end-to-end partners and vendors in a more efficient, orchestrated, always-on model.  

Instead of just analyzing data or suggesting next steps, agentic AI systems are now actually running parts of the sourcing process.

Together, an electrical distributor and a tech company harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to address the persistent challenge of lead time variability.

Beyond hunkering down in firefighting mode, it’s just as important that companies take a longer view of things.

While generative AI recognizes patterns and creates content, agentic AI uses these outputs to reason, plan, and take autonomous actions.

Nicholas Wegman, senior director and AI scientist with Zebra Technologies, describes the company’s new Workcloud Forecasting and Analysis solution.

For foodservice distributors, clinging to static routes, paper-based processes, and manual planning is no longer sustainable.

Reactive maintenance worked when replacement parts arrived quickly and skilled technicians were available, but automation systems now demand specialized expertise.

Tom Strohl, president of Oliver Wight Americas, explains how integrated business planning can be deployed to close the gap between high-level strategizing and execution.