Beesley & Fildes has launched Otis — a fully autonomous AI agent that searches live stock, builds quotations, manages trade accounts and handles complaints around the clock.

The post Beesley & Fildes boosts sales with “fully autonomous AI agent” appeared first on Professional Builders Merchant.

Huws Gray has partnered with Slimstock to enhance its central planning, automation and supply chain processes.

The post Huws Gray adds “AI-powered supply chain planning” in new partnership with Slimstock appeared first on Professional Builders Merchant.

ERP provider Intact has announced its rebrand to ‘GenetiQ’, marking a “defining milestone in the company’s evolution as a modern, cloud-first ERP platform for merchants, wholesalers and distributors.”

The post ERP evolution as Intact rebrands to GenetiQ appeared first on Professional Builders Merchant.

Designed to “make every day simpler for builders’ merchants,” Aptean has launched the new the new AppCentral AI platform.

The post “Save time, control costs and make confident decisions” appeared first on Professional Builders Merchant.

In the Viewpoint column of PBM’s January 2026 issue, editor Paul Davies looks back on a rather dismal 2025 but reflects more positively on the broader direction of travel for the industry as we head into the new year. A very warm welcome to the first PBM issue of 2026 and I sincerely hope you ...

The post Editor’s Viewpoint: Be prepared appeared first on Professional Builders Merchant.

Chris Cyrol, Product Marketing Manager at Epicor, considers the level of AI readiness in 2025, exploring how workforce strategy is reshaping the building supplies industry.

The post Epicor assess AI readiness in the merchant sector appeared first on Professional Builders Merchant.

Epicor’s survey of supply chain decision-makers shows organisations are “scaling AI workflows, hiring for AI-specific roles and prioritising data-centric investments to better navigate disruption.”

The post Global Epicor study reveals “AI adoption is driving smarter, more resilient supply chains” appeared first on Professional Builders Merchant.

Klipboard outlines a number of key recent developments, including its “bold rebrand” and “a renewed commitment to innovation.”

The post Klipboard discusses “smarter, integrated solutions” for merchants appeared first on Professional Builders Merchant.

Conducted by eCommerce agency PushON, the study found that nearly half of businesses in the sector (49%) now see the rise of AI and automation as the most significant trend shaping their digital strategies.

The post PushOn research reveals half of builders’ merchants “name AI as top priority for eCommerce growth” appeared first on Professional Builders Merchant.