Supply chain disruptions, demand volatility, and shifting trade policies have made inventory planning one of the most difficult challenges distribution leaders face today. The old models of forecasting and replenishment were built for a more predictable environment, and many distributors are finding that those models no longer hold.

This Technology Leader Panel brings together industry experts to examine how distribution companies are rethinking their approach to inventory planning when certainty is in short supply. Panelists will discuss the tools, strategies, and decision-making frameworks helping distributors protect service levels while managing working capital more effectively in turbulent conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Inventory planning assumptions that worked in stable markets require significant adjustment during periods of sustained uncertainty
• Technology platforms can improve visibility and response time, but process and policy changes must accompany them
• Distributors that invest in scenario planning capabilities are better positioned to absorb unexpected disruptions
• Balancing service level commitments against carrying cost risk requires clearer decision rules and better data
• Cross-functional alignment between sales, operations, and finance is critical to effective inventory strategy

What You'll Learn

• How distribution leaders are adapting their forecasting and replenishment models to account for volatility
• Which technology tools are proving most useful for inventory visibility, scenario modeling, and exception management
• Practical approaches to setting and communicating inventory policies when supply and demand signals are unreliable
• How to build internal alignment around inventory trade-offs when conditions change quickly

Join Us

Register now to hear the conversation and gain practical strategies for navigating inventory planning when the environment refuses to cooperate. 

_{By registering for this webinar, you consent to be added to Distribution Strategy Group's list, and can unsubscribe at any time. You will also receive communications related to the event. Your information will be collected in accordance with our Privacy Policy and may be shared with the event sponsors, who may contact you about relevant products or services.}

About our sponsor:

About our panelists:

Greg Hartunian

Director of Sales, Epicor Software

Greg Hartunian is the Director of Sales at Epicor Software, where he leads the sales of Epicor’s Inventory Planning, Optimization, and Forecasting solutions. Previously, Greg was the CEO of Smart Software, Inc. that was acquired by Epicor in 2024. Greg has helped hundreds of customers improve their planning process and achieve better business outcomes. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Syracuse University and an MBA from Babson College’s FW Olin School of Business. 

Kim Glasscock

Director of Order Management, Perficient

Kim Glasscock is the Director of Order Management at Perficient, a global digital consulting firm, where she leads OMS strategy, implementation, and client delivery across B2B, B2C, and omnichannel commerce engagements. With more than 30 years of experience spanning digital strategy, global supply chain, and order management technology, Kim has helped enterprises across retail, manufacturing, and distribution modernize their order experience and fulfillment operations. Her career includes senior roles at Zilker Technology (acquired by EY) and Dell Services, where she drove large-scale digital transformation initiatives including SAP integrations, e-commerce platforms, and supply chain systems. Kim holds a degree from The University of Texas at Arlington. 

Rupal Deshmukh

Partner, Strategic Operations, Kearney

Rupal Deshmukh is a strategic operations leader at Kearney, where she serves clients in the CPG/Retail, Chemicals, Industrials sectors and leads the Kearney Supply Chain Institute.

An industrial engineer by training, she brings 15+ years of experience helping Fortune 500 companies turn supply chain complexity into competitive advantage. She specializes in network strategy, cost transformation & planning, and operations innovation. She’s the thought leader behind the Kearney Supply Chain Navigator and her thought-leadership have been featured in Forbes and top industry journals.

About our host:

Ian Heller

Chief Strategy Officer, Distribution Strategy Group

Ian Heller joined Grainger as a part-time truck unloader in college and left fifteen years later as the VP Marketing. Since then, he's held senior executive positions at four other publicly-held firms, consulted with dozens of distributors, and continues to write and speak extensively on how AI, strategy, channel evolution, and other major trends affect the industry. Ian holds a B.A. in History from Roosevelt University and an MBA from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University.