Walmart has recruited tech startup Alert Innovation to create Alphabot, a warehouse system that's expected to process online grocery orders faster and with less human labor. If adopted industry-wide, this type of platform could make the big brick-and-mortar grocery nearly obsolete, with more smaller stores opening to meet in-between order needs, writes Richard Kestenbaum, co-founder of Triangle Capital.

Synnex recorded $176 million in earnings on $6.58 billion in revenue during the fiscal fourth quarter. Earnings for the full year were $500.7 million on revenue of $23.76 billion.

Independent truck drivers are exempt from AB5, a California law that makes it more difficult for employers to classify workers as independent contractors, according to a ruling by Judge William Highberger of Los Angeles Superior Court. An appeal is expected, and other lawsuits have been filed against the law.

Weights and dimensions are vital pieces of information for distributors to include with online product offerings because without them, potential buyers won't know how much shipping fees are, says Justin King of Salsify. One place to look for such detailed information is the Global Data Synchronization Network, he says.

Alison Bensch offers advice on how business-to-business marketers can ensure events prove a successful return on investment, including a list of key performance indicators that should form the basis of event planning. She describes how to collaborate with sales and accounts teams to ensure events support organizational goals, and to put in place effective measurement.

Salespeople have many tools at their disposal that will quickly provide data on the companies they sell to, but additional work is required to understand the context behind the numbers, writes David Brock. "This research and preparation work adds much more richness and context to our conversations with customers," Brock writes.

Teams led by narcissistic leaders are less likely to value integrity and collaboration, according to a study. The researchers recommend finding out how potential leaders have treated subordinates before hiring or promoting them.

Improve communication with employees by giving them several convenient platforms to use, actively soliciting their feedback and creating a sense of community, writes Davis & Co. CEO Alison Davis. "Instead of pushing content, use the channels you manage -- large meetings, intranets, social networks, events -- to connect people, facilitate interactions, and build connections," she writes.

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Mark Dancer says, "Our research for "Innovate to Dominate" revealed a massive new opportunity for distributors: the future of business is up for grabs! Every customer of every distributor is working to understand how their business can survive and thrive in the digital age. The opportunity for distributors is to help customers transform for the future of business. In doing so, distributors can carve out a spot as a valued source and essential partner." Read his post.