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THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
Nelson Valderrama
Nelson Valderrama is the CEO of Intuilize, a software Service platform that specializes
in helping mid-sized distributors transform data into profits. With more than 22 years’
experience as P&L manager executive for major PE firms and industrial distributors.
Nelson has dedicated his career to help business uncover hidden competitive advantages
and unleash the power of data in the new Digital Economy. For more information
contact by email nelson@intuilize.com or visit www.intuilize.com
WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTION:
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN 2030
The 2030 company car wasn’t my idea. It came with
my job as the new CEO at Jetson Supplier, Inc. They call
it a “luxury” car, but it’s just an electric subcompact with
two leather seats. Before I came aboard, the company
had leased a fleet of them, all painted the same military
green and bearing the Jetson logo on both sides.
We must live out this lease; otherwise, you wouldn’t
recognize the operation five years into my appointment.
I am a third-generation Jetson but remained reluctant
to take over the static organization. As they negotiated
my new hire package, the Jetson board and investors
agreed to my vision for a growth opportunity. You can
see the results, and more are underway here at the EU’s
high-profile wholesale distributorship.
Welcome To The Future Of Wholesale!
Large video screens cover the lobby walls at Jetson’s
headquarters. They display a continuous loop featuring
people using the company’s products. A kiosk at the
center has replaced a receptionist with a PBX system.
Visitors follow prompts to sign in at the monitor, using
the directory to identify the person they hope to see. The
monitor will invite you to sit and wait comfortably for that
employee to arrive. Or the screen will issue prompts with
which you can schedule an appointment. The system
logs and archives the transactions for security and other
uses.
A trained Customer Host, wearing Jetson-supplied
casual work attire, will greet and escort you to a sleek
CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE
cart. The host has programmed the vehicle to deliver you
to the people or place that interests you. The cart will
skirt much of the activity in the warehouse, yard, and
docking areas to avoid interfering with the work. This
may be your introduction to future logistics.
Wholesale Distribution Is All About
Movement!
Costs, green thinking, and government initiatives will
accelerate transportation options before the end of this
decade. Tesla, Volvo, and Freightliner have amped up
their campaigns to put cost-effective, battery-powered,
and remote-controlled 18-wheel transport on the road.
You may notice ongoing construction in our logistics
area, adjusting dock heights and installing universal
charging stations.
Inside the warehouse, you may bob and weave
among self-operating pick-and-pull vehicles. These follow
digital directions to locate shelving units, elevate to
reach the product, and pull it from its sleeve. Sensors
built into the shelves push replacement products forward
and send that transaction to inventory management.
Employees drive other electric vehicles to assess
mechanical or electrical malfunctions, resolve software
issues, or relocate misplaced stock. Like all Jetson
employees, these employees carry tablets with
proprietary software specific to their jobs. The tablets
will only operate the next day if locked into a reception
dock at the end of the shift.
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