Delivering Growth: How Wholesale Distributors can leverage technology and innovation to support their strategic goals
Accelerate profitable growth without losing operational control.
This analyst report shares research from a survey of 2,100 midsize executives and shows how distributors are aligning technology with growth goals to:
- Strengthen scalability to match rising demand
- Differentiate with value-added and expert services
- Identify AI and cloud use cases that improve efficiency
To get practical guidance on scaling growth with technology, download the analyst report.
How can wholesale distributors achieve growth?
Wholesale distributors can focus on innovating their services and implementing new business models to capitalize on growth opportunities. According to a survey, 89% of executives reported revenue growth, with 60% achieving growth of more than 5% over the past three years. Additionally, exploring mergers and acquisitions can help them acquire new clients and enhance logistics efficiencies.
What are the key challenges facing wholesale distributors?
One of the primary challenges is scaling operations to match growth, identified by over a third of respondents as a top threat. Additionally, talent retention is a significant issue, with more than a third of executives noting difficulties in finding the right talent. Organizational resiliency is also a priority, with 27% of distributors emphasizing the need to adapt to risks in their supply chains.
How does technology play a role in the future of wholesale distribution?
Technology and digitalization are crucial for wholesale distributors to enhance efficiency and customer experience. About 79% of distributors have adopted cloud solutions, leading to optimized processes for 45% of them. Furthermore, integrating data across operations can automate business processes, with 59% of respondents highlighting this as a key benefit. However, only 14% have fully adopted AI capabilities, indicating room for growth in leveraging technology.