Connect with us

Technology

The Wholesale Industry’s Path to Innovation Lies in AI, Data, and Exponential IT, Says Info-Tech Research Group in New Resource

Published

on

In the face of industry upheavals and mounting competitive pressures, a new resource from Info-Tech Research Group offers wholesale industry leaders a roadmap to integrate Exponential IT principles that emphasizes real-time decision-making, infrastructure transformation, and AI technology integration. The research delivers actionable strategies to foster innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and navigate market shifts effectively. By adopting these transformative IT strategies, wholesale organizations can overcome challenges, drive sustainable growth, and maintain a competitive edge in the evolving market landscape.

TORONTO, June 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – As the wholesale industry contends with escalating challenges such as supply chain complexities, emerging market players, and the demand for seamless customer experiences, there is an increasing need for strategic technological transformation. Against this backdrop of industry disruption and intensifying market pressures, Info-Tech Research Group has published its latest blueprint, Priorities for Adopting an Exponential IT Mindset in the Wholesale Industry. The global research and advisory firm’s insights emphasize the critical importance of organizations adopting Exponential IT strategies. This forward-thinking approach helps IT leaders seamlessly integrate advanced technologies, agile methods, and ongoing adaptability. By embracing Exponential IT, the wholesale sector can drive innovation, boost operational efficiency, and secure sustainable growth in the face of rapid digital disruption.

“As technology continues to see game-changing innovation, organizations are faced with the real possibility of being left behind their competition,” says Donnafay MacDonald, research director at Info-Tech Research Group. “It is imperative that organizations are prepared for the next wave of rapid, exponential evolution of technology. Organizations that are positioned to pivot, adapt, and adopt new technologies have the greatest potential to unlock value for their organizations.”

Info-Tech’s new industry resource underscores the growing importance of real-time data-driven capabilities in enabling dynamic adaptability that will allow the organization to thrive despite market shifts and competitive pressures in the wholesale industry. Currently, wholesalers are encountering challenges in maintaining competitiveness due to heightened competition, reliance on legacy equipment, and substantial technical debt. The firm advises that fostering innovation is essential for enhancing the industry’s competitive positioning. IT leaders need to be recognized as valued business partners to empower the organization to embrace exponential technologies.

The firm’s blueprint highlights the significance of embracing an Exponential IT mindset in the industry, which involves preparing for growth by evaluating existing operations and organizational structures and taking steps to modernize them. Consequently, Info-Tech explains, it is paramount for IT leaders in the wholesale sector to acknowledge the urgency of adopting Exponential IT to address and capitalize on industry disruptions.

Info-Tech recommends three key priorities that IT leaders in the wholesale industry must consider to optimize and autonomize their operations:

Transform Infrastructure and Applications Into Utilities: IT leaders must develop strategies to transform infrastructure and applications into utilities. This transformation enhances operational efficiency and creates a more agile and responsive IT environment capable of meeting evolving industry requirements. This priority also involves optimizing existing operations, modernizing organizational structures, and leveraging advanced technologies to support rapid adaptation and value creation.Treat Data as a Product: Optimizing data for real-time decisions and treating it as a valuable commodity is crucial. By leveraging data as product, organizations can gain actionable insights, drive innovation, and enhance operational efficiency. This approach includes creating scalable data architectures, implementing data pipelines for real-time processing, and using data to predict future trends and inform strategic decisions.Let AI Take Over Core Operations: Shift to autonomized capabilities by enabling AI to take over core operations. Integrating advanced AI technologies allows wholesale organizations to streamline operational processes, enhance efficiency, and reduce manual intervention in critical tasks. The process involves automating routine operations, improving real-time insights, and increasing the agility and responsiveness of IT systems.

The resource from Info-Tech emphasizes that adopting new technologies and leveraging AI and ML across the organization will enable the wholesale industry to remain competitive and profitable. As organizations strive to succeed in the next phase of technology-driven transformation, CIOs have a unique opportunity to demonstrate their leadership by focusing on delivering organizational capabilities. This approach requires a shift from merely providing services to taking ownership of organizational goals and driving strategic initiatives that align with the evolving technological landscape.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Donnafay MacDonald, an expert in the retail and wholesale industry, and access to the complete Priorities for Adopting an Exponential IT Mindset in the Wholesale Industry blueprint, please contact pr@infotech.com.

Info-Tech LIVE 2024

Registration is now open for Info-Tech Research Group’s annual IT conference, Info-Tech LIVE 2024, taking place September 17 to 19, 2024, at the iconic Bellagio in Las Vegas. This premier event offers journalists, podcasters, and media influencers access to exclusive content, the latest IT research and trends, and the opportunity to interview industry experts, analysts, and speakers. To apply for media passes to attend the event or gain access to research and expert insights on trending topics, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software-buying insights.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-wholesale-industrys-path-to-innovation-lies-in-ai-data-and-exponential-it-says-info-tech-research-group-in-new-resource-302186036.html

SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

IdentityIQ Expands Access to Identity Protection and Financial Wellness Tools with New Spanish-Language Experience

Published

on

By

New Spanish-language version brings identity protection, credit monitoring and financial health resources to more than 41 million Spanish-dominant speakers in the U.S.

TEMECULA, Calif., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — IdentityIQ, a leading provider of identity theft protection, credit monitoring and financial wellness solutions, today announced the launch of new plans now in Spanish, expanding access to comprehensive identity and credit protection to more than 41 million Spanish-dominant speakers in the United States.

The new Spanish-language experience gives consumers the ability to enroll, access their member dashboard and manage their financial health entirely in Spanish. The launch also supports B2B partners serving Spanish-speaking customers with a localized partner experience.

“Financial protection shouldn’t depend on language,” said Rick Eggleton, chief revenue officer for IDIQ, which operates the IdentityIQ brand. “Our Spanish-language offering gives millions of consumers greater access to the tools they need to protect their identity, credit and financial health.”

The Spanish-language plans include IdentityIQ’s most comprehensive suite of identity protection and financial wellness tools, including credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, identity theft alerts, credit score tracking, optional rent and utility payment reporting, credit education and other financial health resources.

The launch addresses a significant gap in the financial services marketplace, where language barriers can limit access to tools that help consumers monitor their credit, detect potential identity theft and build stronger financial profiles.

“This is more than translating a product,” Eggleton said. “It’s about making identity protection and financial wellness easier to understand, easier to access and more relevant to Spanish-speaking consumers.”

The launch reflects IdentityIQ’s broader commitment to making identity protection and financial wellness more accessible to underserved communities. By offering its core services in Spanish, IdentityIQ is helping remove language barriers that can make it more difficult for consumers to understand and actively manage their credit and financial health.

The Spanish-language launch also expands opportunities for IdentityIQ’s B2B partners to provide identity protection and financial wellness benefits to Spanish-speaking customers and employees.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to understand and take control of their financial wellness,” Eggleton said. “Expanding our premium plan in Spanish is an important step toward making that possible for millions of consumers.”

For more information on IdentityIQ’s Spanish-language plans and its comprehensive identity protection, credit monitoring and financial wellness solutions, visit https://www.identityiq.com.

About IdentityIQ

IdentityIQ®, offered by IDIQ®, is a leading provider of identity theft protection, credit monitoring and financial wellness solutions. IdentityIQ helps consumers monitor and protect their identities, credit and personal information through comprehensive monitoring, alerts and recovery support services.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/identityiq-expands-access-to-identity-protection-and-financial-wellness-tools-with-new-spanish-language-experience-302866626.html

SOURCE IDIQ

Continue Reading

Technology

BKF Appoints Andrew Esposito Chief Financial Officer

Published

on

By

People-focused AEC industry veteran appointed to support strategic growth

OAKLAND, Calif., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BKF, the premier AEC firm in the Western United States, today announced the appointment of Andrew Esposito as Chief Financial Officer, a strategic addition to its executive leadership team as the firm continues to invest in growth, expand its market presence, and pursue new opportunities across the region.

A proven financial and operational leader, Esposito brings extensive experience guiding organizations through periods of expansion while maintaining a strong focus on culture, performance, and long-term value creation. As CFO, Esposito will lead BKF’s financial strategy and operations, helping position the firm for its next chapter of growth while supporting the company’s commitment to employees, clients, and strategic partners.

“Andrew brings a rare combination of financial acumen, operational insight, and people-centered leadership to BKF,” said CEO Darren Riegler. “He understands that the most successful organizations are built on a foundation of trust, shared values, and disciplined growth. His experience and perspective will help us continue expanding our impact, strengthening our partnerships, and creating long-term value for our people and our partners.”

Most recently, Esposito served as CFO at WSP USA, where he had end-to-end responsibility for the finance operations of an approximately $8 billion business. During his tenure, he helped scale the finance organization through a threefold increase in revenue and headcount. He also played a senior role in more than a dozen acquisitions and carve-outs totaling approximately $5 billion in transaction value.

“Strong financial performance and strong organizations are built together,” said Esposito. “From the beginning, I was drawn to BKF’s culture, energy, and strong sense of purpose, as well as its reputation for innovation, client focus, and sustained growth. I’m excited to work alongside the leadership team to build on that momentum, support the firm’s long-term success, and help advance our shared vision of becoming the preeminent infrastructure firm in the Western U.S.”

The appointment comes as BKF continues to execute its growth strategy, building on the successful merger with MNS and acquisition of Lotus Water to expand its capabilities and deliver greater value across the full project lifecycle.

About BKF

For more than 110 years, BKF has partnered with public and private clients to plan, design, and deliver infrastructure projects that strengthens communities throughout the Western United States. With more than 800 people across 20 offices, BKF provides planning, engineering, surveying, program and construction management, and consulting services for transportation, water, government, and land development projects.

Our mission is simple: Do great work, grow a thriving business, and delight our clients. We believe great infrastructure starts with strong relationships, collaboration, and a shared vision for building a better future. Together with our clients, BKF tackles the region’s most complex challenges and creates lasting impact in the communities where we work.

For more information, visit bkf.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bkf-appoints-andrew-esposito-chief-financial-officer-302866631.html

SOURCE BKF

Continue Reading

Technology

The World Is Invited: Edison Awards Opens Nominations for Its 40th Anniversary Year

Published

on

By

A Global Icon of Innovation Marks Four Decades — And Calls On Innovators Everywhere to Step Forward

FORT MYERS, Fla., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Forty years ago, a handful of bold ideas changed how the world lives, works, and moves. Today, the Edison Awards, one of the world’s most recognized names in innovation, throws open its doors for its landmark 40th anniversary, inviting innovators, entrepreneurs, and enterprises on every continent to put their breakthroughs on the world stage.

“We are seeing extraordinary innovation emerge from every region of the world, and our 40th year is a chance to recognize just how far this global community of innovators has brought us and how much further we’ll go together,” said Frank Bonafilia, CEO of the Edison Awards.

Starting September 1, 2026, nominations open for the 2027 Edison Best New Product Awards™. Whether it’s a five-person startup team working out of a garage or a Fortune 500 R&D powerhouse, the invitation is the same: bring the innovation you’re proudest of and let the world see it. Nominations close December 15, 2026, with winners revealed in March 2027.

“Forty years ago, the Edison Awards set out to celebrate the innovators bold enough to reimagine what’s possible and that mission has only grown more urgent, and more global, with every passing year,” said Frank Bonafilia, CEO of the Edison Awards. “This anniversary year is shaping up to be our most exciting yet. We are seeing extraordinary innovation emerge from every region of the world, and our 40th year is a chance to recognize just how far this global community of innovators has brought us and how much further we’ll go together.”

Four Decades of Naming What’s Next

Since 1987, the Edison Awards has celebrated the products and ideas that went on to define entire industries in health, sustainability, mobility, and technology. Forty years in, the program isn’t slowing down: it’s expanding, honoring nominees from startups to global enterprises, from every corner of the map.

Two New Awards Built for a Global Stage

Two new honors join the program: The Global Excellence Award, for the best innovation across five regions North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Asia-Pacific and The Innovation at Scale Award, honoring standout innovation from Startup/Emerging (under 10 employees) to Global Enterprise (5,000+ employees).

2027 Award Categories

Commercial Technology, Consumer Solutions, Critical Human Infrastructure, Cultural Impact & Education, Energy & Climate Resiliency, Engineering & Robotics, Health, Medical & Biotech, Lifestyle, Entertainment & Design, Manufacturing & Logistics, Materials Science, Public Safety, Security & Digital Integrity, Software Solutions, Transportation, Aerospace & Flight, and Water, Food & Agriculture.

The Call Is Open — Here’s How to Answer It

Early Bird: September 1 – October 15, 2026. General: October 16 – December 15, 2026.

Eligible products launched January 2025–January 2027, judged on Concept, Value, and Impact.

Be counted among them. Submit your nomination at www.edisonawards.com.

About The Edison Awards: Established in 1987, the Edison Best New Product Awards™ honor excellence in product and service innovation transforming how we live, work, and play. Inspired by Thomas Edison’s legacy, the program recognizes game-changing solutions worldwide, offering global recognition, credibility, and connections that drive growth.

Media Contact

Frank Bonafilia, Edison Awards, 1 7732305744, fbonafilia@edisonawards.com, https://edisonawards.com/

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/the-world-is-invited-edison-awards-opens-nominations-for-its-40th-anniversary-year-302864733.html

SOURCE Edison Awards

Continue Reading

Trending