NorthEast Electrical, a Sonepar company, has completed the rebranding of Rockingham Electric, which was acquired in October 2022, and the company says the integration combines resources to support innovation and customer satisfaction. "The final integration has improved our day-to-day operations," said Gino Milne, a NorthEast Electrical branch manager in New Hampshire. "Our customers are excited about the expanded inventory, services, and solutions we offer."

Ingram Micro is undergoing a significant transformation to become a platform business, and Sanjib Sahoo, EVP of global technology and CDO, discusses the company's plans. Traditionally operated as a distributor, Ingram Micro is now focusing on creating a network that connects OEMs, technology brands, vendors and resellers through its platform, Ingram Micro Xvantage. "This requires re-wiring the DNA of the organization and creating a high-performance team that believes in the art of possible," Sahoo says.

David Scheffrahn, North American VP of sales at Ocado Intelligent Automation, discusses the evolution of automation in the supply chain industry. Scheffrahn notes the advancements in robotics, particularly with AI and machine learning, which allow robots to adapt to new tasks without prior training, and emphasizes that automation solutions should be tailored to each operation, with autonomous mobile robots offering accessible options for smaller warehouses.

Historically, supply chain teams have operated reactively, addressing crises only after they occur, writes Edmund Zagorin, co-founder and chief strategy officer at Arkestro, who notes that the approach often fails to add strategic value and can negatively impact team morale. By transitioning to a proactive stance, leveraging AI and predictive analytics, teams can anticipate disruptions and develop strategic plans to address them, transforming procurement into a strategic business function, Zagorin writes.

US Customs and Border Protection is investigating allegations that a Chinese company is evading tariffs by transshipping cabinets through Malaysia. The investigation, sparked by Cabinets To Go, has highlighted the practice of masking product origins to avoid duties, affecting major US cabinet makers and suppliers. The probe has caused divisions within the industry, and the case underscores ongoing challenges in enforcing trade regulations.

Generative AI holds significant potential for business success, but its integration must align with strategic goals, writes Charles Orlando, chief marketing officer at Galorath. Companies should start with a clear business case, involve all departments, anticipate ethical and practical challenges, and maintain a human-centered approach to ensure AI serves as a powerful tool rather than a standalone strategy, Orlando writes.

HR leaders are expected to focus on integrating AI and skills-based hiring into their processes next year, according to Korn Ferry research, although many talent professionals say AI falls short in identifying talent gaps. Other key trends include enhancing learning and development, maintaining flexibility in work arrangements and linking company culture more closely with employee experience to better delivers on promises made during recruiting.

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