Artificial intelligence has quickly moved from buzzword to boardroom priority across PHCP-PVF distribution, but for many companies, adoption still feels stalled before it even begins. According to Brooks Hamilton, principal at AI Strategy Advisors, that hesitation often comes down to a long-standing misconception: that AI requires perfectly clean data before companies can get started.
Robotics has moved from trade show demonstration to boardroom discussion. For many larger distributors, the question is no longer whether automation exists; it is whether it belongs in the next phase of operational strategy.
very distributor has it: The pallet of specialized fittings that hasn’t moved since the Biden administration. It’s the high-efficiency boiler ordered for a commercial project that got cancelled three years ago. It’s the "seasonal" SKU that seemed like a genius buy in March until the weather or the building code changed in May.
In this episode of And So It Flows, Jennifer Harrison and Kaytee Gray from SupplyHouse.com discuss how digital merchandising and fulfillment are evolving to empower contractors with expert product information, simplifying decision-making in the field.
The warehousing industry faces a significant labor issue, accounting for 50% to 70% of total budgets, as noted by a Bostontec study. Manual order picking is a major expense, comprising around half of warehouse operating costs. Factors such as rising hiring costs, a shrinking labor pool, and the demanding nature of the work contribute to this problem. In 2023, the industry reported 4.7 nonfatal injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time workers (BLS).
Five critical steps that can safeguard your operations against the growing wave of cyberattacks targeting small-to-midsize businesses. Teaser: Cybersecurity isn’t about paranoia, it’s about preparation. As warehouse leaders, we train on safety, efficiency, and customer service. Cybersecurity deserves the same level of attention.
For distributors, inventory is the largest balance sheet item and can be a liability if not managed strictly. Achieving over 99% bin-level accuracy is attainable with departmental alignment, solid processes, and strong leadership. Here’s why it matters, the consequences of failure, and how to succeed.
In a global economy marked by supply chain disruptions, warehouses are increasingly turning to AI and automation to boost efficiency. A BOSTONtec report reveals that labor costs dominate warehouse budgets, making it vital to adopt technologies that enhance productivity.
The global warehouse robotics market is expected to reach a value of $12.99 billion by 2030. Warehouse robotic systems automate tasks like picking, sorting, transporting, and packing, offering faster and more accurate operations.
First Supply has partnered with Exotec, a global warehouse robotics provider,
to install cutting-edge warehouse robotics at its new 308,000-square-foot distribution center in Western Wisconsin.