Automation in business is growing, particularly in warehouses and distribution, and while fully automated systems can boost efficiency, they face limitations, write professors René de Koster and Debjit Roy. Research shows that combining human and robotic efforts leads to better efficiency, flexibility and cost-effectiveness than full automation, with collaborative systems reducing travel times and fatigue, enhancing productivity and improving job satisfaction.

Commercial rooftop solar, particularly on warehouse roofs, hasn't taken off as quickly as residential applications, with the former adding nearly 2GW worth of projects in 2023, per the Solar Energy Industries Association and Wood Mackenzie. Such structures hold huge potential for solar, but complicated deal structures, low power prices and technology costs are barriers to growth. Some developers are finding workarounds such as leasing space from facility owners versus requiring them to directly invest in the technology, said Matt Schlindwein of Greek Real Estate.

APQC's 2024 Supply Chain Priorities and Challenges research found that the biggest barriers to supply chain process improvement are the lack of change management and collaboration skills, with half of the respondents citing issues related to new technology implementation and lack of collaboration. Despite the importance of advanced technologies, poor data management and governance continue to hinder supply chain efficiency and enhancing both internal and external collaboration is essential for resilience and adaptability at this time.

AI decision intelligence facilitates warehouse decision-making by processing large data sets to optimize task prioritization, resource allocation and workflow coordination, which can reduce idle time and boost efficiency, writes Lior Elazary, CEO of inVia Robotics. AI's ability to continuously monitor and adjust operations ensures warehouses meet service level agreements and adapt to unexpected challenges, Elazary says, suggesting organizations select scalable solutions that integrate with existing systems.

Elections in at least 64 countries this year, involving at least half of the world's population, are expected to put a strain on global supply chains, with cyberattacks among the possible threats, writes Mirko Woitzik, global director of intelligence for Everstream Analytics. The challenges Everstream's new report identified also include border tensions, in areas such as the US-Mexico border and Taiwan Strait, along with a demand for commodities.

Taking steps to prevent conflict between contracting parties during the early stages can save time and money while preserving relationships, write Kate Vitasek, James Groton and Ellen Waldman, who share four suggestions for laying the groundwork early. Designing contracts in a way that is easier to comprehend, such as using visuals or incorporating a plain-language approach, is one recommendation, along with collaborative bidding, engaging with a third-party facilitator and considering relational contracts that are not solely transactional.

Sales teams with emotional intelligence will have an easier time building resilience, which is a key character trait to have in the industry. A salesperson with self-awareness, emotional regulation skills and an optimistic outlook can overcome the challenges and adversity on the job, thus strengthening sales performance, advises Colleen Stanley, president of SalesLeadership.

Successful generative AI projects have only been carried out by 25% of companies, per a LucidWorks survey, and the top barriers in implementation are demonstrating value and a lack of talent, Gartner reports. Experts discuss why generative AI is posing such a challenge, including data problems, legacy tech stacks, security and governance.

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