Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) and LibDib, today unveiled a joint data analytics lab that is developing AI (artificial intelligence) algorithms for the two distributors’ wholesale digital commerce experience. The joint effort has begun fueling insight, automation and artificial intelligence into both the LibDib and eRNDC digital commerce platforms to benefit customers, suppliers and the RNDC salesforce. The new lab is an extension of the joint digital platform work the two companies have developed as they continue to revolutionize the way advanced analytics and AI are used in beverage alcohol. The announcement formalizes the two companies’ investment and resource commitments to take AI technology to the next level.
“RNDC and LibDib have prioritized innovation and value-added technology at every opportunity and today’s announcement takes wholesale digital commerce to the next level,” said Tom Cole, CEO of RNDC. “Data and analytics has been one of RNDC’s most important initiatives and we will continue to invest in cutting-edge technology that elevates the digital experience for our salesforce, suppliers and customers alike.”
To support the new initiative, the LibDib management team has partnered with RNDC’s Darrell Riekena, CIO, and Tracy Ariail, SVP of eCommerce and Digital, to drive innovation throughout RNDC and LibDib’s digital footprint. To harness the power of the new capabilities from within the applications, LibDib’s Robert Brashears is now overseeing the analytics lab as VP of Data & Analytics. Together, RNDC and LibDib’s leadership teams have increased their scope and are guiding a group of talented data scientists and developers to build even more engaging experiences.
“Every day, our data analytics lab is providing automation and power to the RNDC and LibDib digital experiences,” said Robert Brashears. “Real time and historical access to the comprehensive shopping and purchasing data possessed by the combined companies’ digital and traditional footprint is an amazing arena in which to build and deliver insight that matters.”
“As LibDib and RNDC move further into our partnership, our analytics lab formalizes another avenue for innovation that benefits both joint venture partners and the industry at large,” said Cheryl Durzy, Founder and CEO of LibDib.