Microsoft and supply chain management firm Arvato are partnering to use generative AI, cloud computing and robotics to develop self-improving warehouse processes, with an eye toward creating an autonomous warehouse. Known as "Moonshot," the project could ultimately be used to reorganize task orders through AI, optimize picking routes and streamline complaint management processes.

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors announced the promotion of Chris Greiner to vice president of corporate development and Natasha Wells to senior vice president of member experience. The two senior leaders will support the organization's continued growth and advancement. "NAW has grown rapidly in recent years, doubling membership and tripling the size of our team to serve those members," said NAW Chief Revenue Officer Dan Schuberth. "Chris and Natasha have been integral to that growth, demonstrating excellence in their work and serving as champions for the value NAW delivers to members every day."

Border States released plans to implement a new operating model, open distribution centers and make leadership changes as part of the North Dakota electrical distributor's plan to create a more streamlined, customer-centric experience at branches and optimize supply chain costs. Border States' next distribution center is planned for early 2026, and it plans to open more as it works with branches to scale for optimization.

Regional Distributors, a distributor of paper products, is being acquired by JanSan supplies distributor Imperial Dade as it expands in upstate New York. Regional Distributors will get access to Imperial's platform to offer customers more diverse products and solutions.

Amazon is using an AI model it calls Project P.I. to cut down on returns and improve sustainability by detecting product quality issues and incorrect orders through a combination of generative AI and computer vision technology. Employees at Amazon review flagged items to determine if they meet the criteria to be listed on the Amazon Second Chance platform.

Upcoming federal regulations will step up reporting requirements for cyberincidents and ransom payments. Sinan Pismisoglu of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings outlines rulemaking efforts under the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act and notes that the Department of Homeland Security will create a Cyber Incident Reporting Council for coordination of the reporting requirements.

AI can improve search engine optimization efficiency and content insights while offering personalization and predictive analytics, writes Post Cheetah Founder Mark Gadala-Maria. Gadala-Maria advises marketers to view the technology as a "dynamic partner," tapping into human creativity to design user experiences and avoid duplications, and to remain attentive to potential ethical issues.

Talking with frontline workers at Yum! Brands restaurants helped David Novak, the co-founder and former CEO and chairman of the company, identify better processes and recipes, but first, he had to recognize his prejudgment that the workers wouldn't have anything of value to add to the company. "The more you make the effort to learn about diverse ideas and worldviews from more diverse people, the deeper and more robust your learning will be, and the more effective action you'll be able to take with it," Novak writes.

Deloitte AI Institute's latest report reveals that about three-quarters of companies plan to refine hiring and employee strategies in the next two years, focusing on upskilling and reskilling employees to adapt to AI advancements. The report, based on a global survey of nearly 2,000 director- to C-suite-level respondents, indicates that 39% of organizations plan to increase the number of employees to support AI initiatives, while 38% will keep it unchanged.

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