IFDA Releases Emerging Technology Primer for Foodservice Distributors

(McLean, VA) As the nation’s foodservice distributors are adapting to new business practices amid the pandemic, the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) today released a resource to help its members explore and evaluate technology solutions. IFDA’s Emerging Technology Primer for Foodservice Distributors is intended for executives and non-technology professionals as an easy-to-understand overview of possibilities to consider when building business strategies into the future.
 
The foodservice distribution industry is at a crucial point. Many of its practices, from transportation to supply chain, are decades old. At the same time, new technologies are emerging that will likely transform the industry through automation. These tools have the potential to help foodservice distributors overcome their biggest challenges, from labor shortages to supply chain complexities.
   
The report examines 10 emerging technology areas by looking at definitions, potential uses in foodservice distribution, uses in other industries, timeline of availability and ROI, key evaluation points, and more. It includes context to demystify technology benefits in realistic terms, ideas for next steps in adopting emerging technologies, and a glossary of terms. Areas explored include artificial intelligence, blockchain, autonomous vehicles, warehouse robotics, smart wearables, virtual reality and more. Information in the guide is the result of interviews with more than a dozen leading foodservice distributors and secondary research.
 
The PDF report is free to all IFDA members as an exclusive member benefit and can be downloaded at http://ifdaonline.org/TechGuide2020