New Perspectives on Supply Chain Challenges

It's never too late for past insights on current distribution challenges. Additionally, it's always valuable to hear perspectives from various industries that are also grappling with issues such as tariffs, supply chain challenges, and pricing volatility. That's why Distribution Strategy Group's July 2025 panel discussion, How Distributors Are Solving Supply Chain Challenges, is worth taking off the shelves.

“The distribution industry continues to navigate complex supply chain disruptions, from Covid aftershocks to tariff uncertainties and unexpected material shortages,” reads the intro, giving way to insights from several leaders across different sectors who are “adapting their strategies, embracing new technologies, and reimagining customer relationships to thrive in this volatile environment.”

The article features insights from Erika Scherman, President and Owner of MC Tool & Safety Sales; Diego Fonseca, Vice President of Supply Chain and Logistics at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits; and Scott Wagner, Director of Industry Transformation at the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED).

Speaking of his experience in the electrical distribution space, Wagner echoed many HVACR distributors in noting, "We're all still feeling the impacts of challenges in the past. The fear of more disruption is always there, especially with what's been talked about with tariffs and other supply chain challenges."

So how do we move forward in this age of ongoing uncertainty? Distribution Strategy Group's panel offered a few insights, including:

  • Prioritize transparency: Today's customers want honest communication about product availability and timing. Avoid overpromising and underdelivering and making promises you might not be able to keep.
  • Invest in predictive capabilities: Adopt systems and processes to help spot supply chain or other distribution challenges before they impact your operations.
  • Make peace with volatility: The forecast calls for continued uncertainty and volatility, but you can prepare by building flexibility into your strategies (e.g., forecasting, pricing, and inventory).
  • Give AI a try: Pilot artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives that will help your company predict, address, and overcome distribution roadblocks while enhancing and accelerating operations.
  • Focus on change management: Ensure that any technology you're bringing in to solve supply chain challenges comes with strategies to train and onboard your teams on its effective use.

“As these industry leaders demonstrate,” the article continues, “the companies thriving in today’s volatile environment are those that view supply chain challenges not just as problems to solve, but as opportunities to fundamentally improve how they serve customers and operate their businesses.”

Read the full story at How Distributors Are Solving Supply Chain Challenges

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