Ingram Micro wants to transform technology distribution by using artificial intelligence and machine learning to give customers a better buying experience, says Chief Digital Officer Sanjib Sahoo. The company has hired several executives to lead this effort, including former Instagram executive Mukund Gopalan as chief data officer.
F.W. Webb has reduced supply issues over the past year but continues to "pay more to attract good people," in part, because the distributor believes in on-site work, says Chief Operating Officer Bob Mucciarone. F.W. Webb also has paid close attention to operating expenses.
February was a record-setting month for used Class 8 truck prices, which averaged $94,273, up from $88,386 in January and $51,494 in February 2021, according to ACT Research. ACT Vice President Steve Tam says there are early indications that prices have peaked, while Charles Smith of Mission Financial Services Group says smaller fleets are spending to keep older trucks drivable for longer periods since used truck inventory is so low.
Automation and robotics are taking on repetitive logistics tasks and freeing up human workers for more complex duties, according to executives at Atlanta-area logistics companies. Automation can help mitigate labor shortages while protecting human workers from injury, says Sean Wallingford of Vanderlande Industries.
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The next evolution of business-to-business marketing will be marked by a more strategic approach, where brand marketing and demand generation align and a brand's mission is a part of the equation, writes Doremus' Phillip Katz. This approach not only fortifies brands to withstand challenges, but it also helps B2B marketers draw a more dedicated and creative talent pool.
Brands using chatbots to drive engagement, acquisition and retention can get a jump on competitors by shifting their focus from reactive website interactions to proactive, personalized communications within apps where consumers spend their time, suggests Max Koziolek, Spectrm CEO. Integrating artificial intelligence systems into automated messaging can further bolster exchanges and yield valuable data to make "chatbots smarter and more responsive," Koziolek asserts.
What trends will move digital commerce in 2022? Listen as Pivotree experts share their predictions for 2022 across supply chain, eCommerce, and data management. Find out when and how supply chain woes could ease up, the trends expected to accelerate, and 3 areas of CX to focus on. Watch the webinar.
Adam Grant tries to process critical or even insulting feedback by understanding what makes him angry, such as his fears of being incompetent or irrelevant. Anger is a warning sign of feeling at risk, but if the critic doesn't have a stake in your life, "why am I giving them power over how I feel?" Grant writes.
NAW is convening distribution CEOs of companies with annual sales between $10 million and $80 million for a virtual peer exchange on Tuesday, April 12, at 1:30 p.m. ET. The meeting will feature a presentation from Dr. Terry Wu, a nationally acclaimed neuroscientist who has earned prominence for applying neuroscience to help top executives increase their leadership effectiveness. CEOs will also have the opportunity to bring top-of-mind business challenges to the meeting and receive peer advice, feedback, and support to take back to their executive teams. Registration is limited to a small audience -- sign up today!
