Ingram Micro's new Xvantage platform uses machine learning to automate certain parts of the business and allow more time for customer conversations. "When we automate and free up all that time, it's going to allow for a much more productive conversation and allow our customers to go talk to those end customers about the business outcome and results that they're looking for," says Ingram Micro CEO Paul Bay, who also discusses the distributor's plans for the year ahead.

United Natural Foods will team with indoor farming startup Square Roots to start installing hydroponic growing setups at some of UNFI's distribution centers. The first farm is on track to open next year at UNFI's facility in Prescott, Wis., and it will grow produce including greens and herbs for the company's regional grocery customers.

Amazon has introduced the MK30 delivery drone as a smaller and quieter model that can fly through the rain, and it will be used to make deliveries in some California and Texas markets next year. The company is looking to such drones reduce delivery costs and time as it waits for Federal Aviation Administration approval of widespread commercial drone use.

Risk management and savvy data analysis talents are necessary tools in a procurement staff's toolkit. Other skills needed for the latest iteration of procurement include weighing sustainability in sourcing, fluency with technology and an ability to keep an eye on the bigger corporate picture.

Distributors should be intentional about developing their digital strategy since customers increasingly conduct their own research online before speaking with a sales representative. "Distributors tie all their content back to one product or another, when what they should do is tie their content back to what their buyer is looking for -- information that solves a problem or offers an answer to a question," digital sales and marketing consultant Susan Merlo said.

Sales teams can surge toward the end of the fourth quarter with a "warm, human and empathetic approach" with customers that builds relationships, Mike DeCorso of Sales Hacker writes. DeCorso offers five connection-oriented tips, such as sending a digital coffee break and paying attention to customers' throwaway comments.

Women accounted for 56% of the workforce in 2021 but held just 41% of supply chain positions and only 15% of executive roles within the sector, according to Gartner research. Businesses can boost the representation of women in the supply chain industry by leading by example and inspiring change, sharing examples of successful female leaders within the organization to attract and retain diverse employees and by developing an inclusive culture with family-friendly practices, writes Anita Raj, ThroughPut's vice president of product marketing.

Humble leaders are always learning and asking others to help them, writes Dan Rockwell, who offers seven ways leaders can teach humility during team meetings, such as by discussing strengths and weaknesses and what team members have learned from mistakes. "Humility is a set of behaviors that express interest in the interest of others," Rockwell writes.