Entry Details

About the Entry

Category: 
All Content > Innovation Article > Central

Title of entry: 
Human & Machine: Finding A Balance

Issue or Publication date:
February 2024

Publication name: 
tED magazine

View Website home page:
tedmag.com

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Entry URL(s), if applicable:
Please enter a URL that will direct judges to the entry: 
https://www.tedmagazine-digital.com/tedmagazine/february_2024-a/MobilePagedReplica.action?pm=1&folio=48#pg50

Entry Essay: 
As the official publication of the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED), tED magazine is the voice for the top electrical distributors in North America. Designed to appeal to all electrical distribution personnel—from drivers and warehouse workers to presidents and CEOs—tED is read by employees of companies ranging from national chains to independents of all sizes. tED’s readers are top performers and decision-makers in the industry and the magazine strives to get important messages and product information in front of them each month. We are also proud that tED magazine has a reputation for addressing the tough issues within the channel that are reported on without advertiser influence.

The use of AI and other automation technology in electrical distribution is in its early stages. While there is a lot of discussion about the benefits of these technologies, only the very forward-thinking companies are now making moves to purchase and utilize it...and many companies simply aren't ready to invest. But the change is coming. Distributors' customers (contractors) want more information about the products available, they want purchasing and invoicing information at their fingertips, and they want to be able to track deliveries and be assured their "stuff" will arrive on time. They want the "Amazon experience" that, until recently, electrical distributors were hard-pressed to duplicate. AI and other automation technology is changing the course of the industry.

Human & Machine: Finding a Balance explores how AI technology is affecting electrical distribution (now and in the future) and how, in this "industry of relationships," there must be a balance between man and machine.

Freelance writer Phillip Perry speaks with industry experts and electrical distributors to find out how AI technologies are impacting business both positively and negatively and what companies should consider as they adopt it. The story includes a sidebar on sensitive data and the need for companies to ensure privacy of that information.