496: AI-Powered, Human-Led – Discover the Future of Routing, with OneRail

Bill Catania of OneRail & Adam Isenberg of National Association of Wholesale Distributors discuss routing - the challenges, the tech & why unification is key.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [03.02] An introduction to Adam and the National Association of Wholesale Distributors (NAW). "We're the leading advocacy and government affairs voice for the distributors, whether you're moving computer chips, potato chips, or anything in between!" [04.34] How listeners can catch up on OneRail content, and why Bill believes in collaboration and connection. [06.03] An overview of OneRail – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers. "We're really focused on exercising our horsepower around data science and AI to help internal fleets optimize. When you take that internal optimization, and bolt on third-party, you have something really unique. And over the top of all of that is the human component." [08.12] Traditional routing engines, and their biggest weaknesses. "The problem with routing software in general is that it's really just a calculator… And there are a lot more constraints now; there's a tighter SLA window, more demands on the wholesale channel – the routing solution has to contemplate many more variables, and a lot of the solutions out there don't do that." [10.32] The biggest pain points right now for distributors, and the impact of changing, multi-generational workforces. "The wholesale distribution industry, as vast as it is, are laggers in technology historically. But now, with the advent of so much technology, changing so fast, you're seeing distributors say: 'We can't wait any longer.'" [14.33] The business impact of using routing engines that can't consider all the relevant inputs. [18.13] How exceptions and traditional routing solutions erode profitability, the importance of extracting tribal knowledge in the workplace, and how new technology can allow businesses to make smarter decisions, reducing costs and empowering teams. "It's about being able to move those levers in real time, and that's the difference between the visibility era and the actionable insights era, which is where we are today." [24.16] The challenge with change management and how new technology can ease the transition and remove friction. [26.38] The importance of leaning into tech, and how wholesalers are balancing rising delivery expectations and cost pressures with data-driven decision-making. "People want to make informed decisions but they need data, they need intelligence. And when you have a software and a partner that provides you real-time intelligence, that's how people are going to make those informed decisions to drive their business forward." [30.19] Why many dispatchers 'swivel-chair' between systems, and why it's such a big problem. [33.57] The new mindset, innovative distribution strategies and technologies NAW members are adopting to improve fulfilment and the last mile. [37.04] Why OneRail is uniquely positioned to lead the future of last mile, and why their network is as important as their software. "We have a large network that allows us to execute; not just connect with a courier, but pick a courier because of price, quality, time of day, zip code, SKU… So when we're matching a delivery, it's extremely informed." "It's a chief supply chain officers best friend, because it allows that professional to let their team do their job, but be more accountable; to leverage external partners and bring their data back in, make sense of it, and apply it." [42.21] How partnerships between wholesalers, carriers and technology providers are shaping the future of last mile. [46.20] The future of last mile, and why the market is finally coming to OneRail.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to OneRail's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with OneRail and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook or X (Twitter) or you can connect with Bill or Adam on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more from OneRail, we have plenty more great content for you. Check out: 481: Combine the Power of In-House and Outsourced Fleet Management, with OneRail 461: Go Behind the Scenes of a History-Making Partnership, with OneRail and PepsiCo 440: Level Up Your Fulfillment Capabilities, with OneRail 419: Discover OmniPoint Inventory Visibility and Tackle Shrinkage, with OneRail 393: Get 100% Visibility Over Your Final Mile, with OneRail 349: Deliver a Frictionless Last Mile, with OneRail Check out our other podcasts HERE.