Beer distributors have no shortage of data. The challenge is turning all that information into better, faster and more profitable decisions.
In this episode, I talk with Lucinda Ochwat, Sales Manager from VIP about how technology, AI, and smarter workflows are changing beverage distribution.
We explore two of the biggest financial investments on a distributor’s books -people and inventory – and how better technology can help wholesalers use both more efficiently.
Lucinda shares how VIP is incorporating AI into its tools to make data easier to access and act on, including natural-language reporting, predictive ordering, and OrderStream Portal.
Our conversation covers reducing out-of-stocks, improving supplier orders, giving salespeople better information at the point of sale, and ultimately moving from spending time compiling reports to spending more time making decisions.
Key Takeaways
- Turn data into decisions faster. AI can help distributors move beyond manually compiling reports and spreadsheets to quickly identifying the insights that actually require action.
- Smarter ordering can improve inventory performance. OrderStream brings historical sales, inventory, events, warehouse considerations, suppliers, and ordering information together to help wholesalers make more fact-based purchasing decisions and reduce costly out-of-stocks.
- Predictive tools can make salespeople more effective. Instead of simply reviewing what an account bought previously, sales reps can receive recommendations based on nearby accounts, historical demand, events, and expected sales lift, giving them more time for valuable conversations with retailers.
- Keep the human in the loop. The goal of AI and automation isn’t to eliminate human decision-making; it’s to automate or simplify routine work so people have more time to make the harder, higher-value decisions.
Resources
Get the Beer Wholesaler Profit Brief – tips, tactics and strategies to deliver improved financial results in your beer business
Learn more about VIP at VIP Insights.com
