In the Air - HRAI Industry News

Few industry buzzwords dominate discussions like artificial intelligence (AI). This is true across all sectors, including HVACR, where intelligent technologies are proving adept at helping companies work smarter, safer, faster, and more efficiently. That being said, stakeholders in the distribution space might still have questions about where AI fits within their operations and how best to move forward.  

As Magnus Meier, an industry contributor for Distribution Strategy Group’s (DAS) website, notes: “Following the release of ChatGPT-4, the onslaught or simply newfound awareness of available technologies and functionalities that leverage AI have distributors wondering: Should I be doing more with AI, and what exactly should I do?” 

Meier is Vice President and Global Vice President and Global Head, Wholesale Distribution Business Unit for SAP. In his article, Get Smart, Stay Ahead: The Reality of AI Use for Distributors, he argues that AI can be–and already is–a valuable tool for distributors; and moreover, that it pays to approach this game-changing tech with a realistic view into its advantages and requirements.  

“Distributors will need to leverage AI in their businesses,” Meier argues. “Research shows distribution has both a high need for digitalization, a high percentage of workers likely to see high exposure to AI and a high percentage of jobs at risk due to digitalization. Thus, there’s an economic need and understood implications – as well as opportunities.” 

There are several considerations to make before taking the AI leap. They include understanding the various types of AI (e.g., discriminative AI, generative AI, etc.), how they can address real distributor challenges, and how the technology can be adapted to address other needs. His article also stresses the importance of a team-based approach to AI utilization, noting, "As you assess your next steps with AI, it's important to avoid looking at the technology in a vacuum. Why? Because it's not just about AI. It’s about being digitally ready, leveraging multiple technologies fueled by a foundation of clean, standardized data.” 

Meier is among many industry thought leaders who are weighing on IA's place in distribution. In recent weeks, DAS has featured articles tackling various aspects of AI procurement and integration, including Investing in AI in Distribution? Don’t Make These 7 Mistakes, written by Helen Piña; How AI Will Power 24/7 Customer Service and Tech Support in Distribution, from Brian Hopkins; With AI, Quick Wins Now Set You Up for Big Wins Down the Road, written by Nick Pericle; and AI’s Role in the Rise of Personalization in Sales and Marketing. 

AI has also become a hot topic in HRAI's webinars and newsletter and a subject of much interest at its conferences and tradeshows. As the technology evolves to bring more benefits to the distribution space, expect talk of intelligent and autonomous innovations to continue across warehouses, back offices, and boardrooms throughout the trade.  

If you are interested in learning more, Distribution Strategy Group has graciously offered HRAI an exclusive member discount of $100 off a registration to their upcoming Applied AI for Distributors Conference on June 4-6 in Chicago. Use promo code DSGHRAI.