Matching Demand to Supply: The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever
GRAINGER: AGILITY IS KEY
Grainger is constantly trying to minimize unproductive inventory, Lal says. To reach these goals, Grainger has made significant investments in AI. It’s applying advanced analytics to assist strategic design decisions as it evolves its distribution network. Grainger is also increasingly utilizing optimization tools to make smart, automated decisions across key supply chain processes, including demand forecasting and inventory planning. Team members are being “upskilled,” Lal says, so they’re fluent in the latest analytical techniques, while also understanding the business and functional context in which the company operates. When implementing these solutions, the starting point is robust, quality data that can feed Grainger’s models. “We have built data on product information, customer demand, and supply chain
Customers rely on Grainger, a leading broadline distributor, for stellar service and access to a broad portfolio of products, regardless of supply or economic conditions, says Anand Lal, group vice president, supply chain. “Understanding demand patterns and optimizing inventory across our distribution network are evergreen objectives, but even more important now,” he adds. Agility is critical, as ongoing fluctuations in the macro environment mean that Grainger must sense demand changes and adjust inventory positions quickly and seamlessly, while ensuring its network remains resilient to any global supply shocks. It’s also important that Grainger efficiently utilize its assets as it grows its product assortment, distribution center network, and business. For instance,
parameters for years,” Lal says. Grainger’s inventory optimization models have boosted customer service levels by multiple percentage points, while increased inventory efficiency is extending the life of existing distribution centers. “We significantly improved end-to-end decision-making with the optimization models deployed throughout the supply chain,” Lal says. Grainger upskills its team members so they’re fluent in the latest analytical techniques.
ICE MOBILITY: HELPING CLIENTS MAINTAIN PROFITABILITY
inventory positions, and historical performance to recommend optimal stock levels and fulfillment routes, down to the individual retail door or ecommerce channel. For example, if the platform detects a surge in sales for a specific SKU in one region while inventory sits idle in another, it will flag the imbalance and recommend rebalancing. ClearIce also incorporates historical and seasonal trends to anticipate demand shifts ahead of peak periods, so the company can make inventory and replenishment decisions proactively. To allow for seamless data exchange and channel alignment, ClearIce is integrated with major marketplaces and ERP platforms. To tackle the challenge of data fragmentation, Ice Mobility early on invested heavily in middleware and API integrations that enable its systems to talk to partners’ systems in real time. “That has paid off in faster
At Ice Mobility, precision in supply and demand planning is no longer optional. “Matching supply and demand at a SKU (stock-keeping unit) and channel level is how our clients maintain profitability and protect brand equity,” says CEO Michael Magner. The company’s ClearIce platform applies AI-driven supply chain planning and real-time visibility to its partners. It analyzes demand signals,
decision-making and better inventory accuracy,” Magner says. The company also strives to balance
flexibility with standardization. While every partner has unique
packaging, routing, and/or compliance requirements, Ice Mobility’s operations still need to scale. “By using ClearIce’s modular workflows, customization doesn’t slow throughput,” Magner says. Predictive demand planning has also led to fewer stockouts and returns. With the help of ClearIce, the company’s order accuracy is consistently higher than 99.8%. Clients now view logistics not as a cost center but as a growth engine. “The integration of AI and real-time planning has helped brands launch faster, retailers sell through cleaner, and carriers maintain stronger shelf discipline during high-volume seasons,” Magner says. Ice Mobility doesn’t just deliver. “We make distribution a competitive advantage,” Magner adds.
Predictive demand planning has led to fewer stockouts and returns at Ice Mobility. Order accuracy is consistently higher than 99.8%.
104 Inbound Logistics • January 2026
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