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44 Pallet C e nt ral • July -Aug u st 2 0 25 expressed strong interest in smarter solutions. A few industry members mentioned using platforms like HubSpot Quotes, which integrates AI with CRM tools to automate and customize quotes, sync with sales pipelines, and manage contract workflows. For companies managing repeat orders or complex pricing tiers, tools like this represent a meaningful shift toward faster, more accurate, and more customer- aligned quoting. While adoption is still in its early stages, the momentum is there and growing. Mee ng Customers Where They Are To compete, manufacturers are beginning to invest in customer-facing AI tools that reduce friction and elevate the experience. Some now offer real-time quoting portals that integrate directly with procurement systems. For example, DC Velocity just highlighted a tech startup, Pallet, which developed an AI platform called CoPallet that automates repetitive logistics workflows, including order entry, portal updates, and quoting. is AI workforce handles high-volume tasks with near-human accuracy, slashing time and cost. Pallet's solution allows logistics providers to streamline their operations, leading to shorter quoting cycles, fewer errors, and improved customer satisfaction from customers who are demanding speed. ese tools don't just streamline transactions; they build trust. And in an increasingly automated world, trust is currency. AI-Powered Procurement Is Raising The Bar AI isn't just influencing how suppliers sell; it's transforming how buyers choose whom to buy from. Modern procurement platforms, like Coupa, use AI to benchmark supplier performance, automate RFPs, and even negotiate pricing based on historical data and ESG scores. Tools like these recommend vendors not just on cost but also on reliability, sustainability, and responsiveness. Key insights from Gartner Research also highlight this trend: • Top supply chain performers are adopting AI at twice the rate of their peers, using it to unlock value beyond cost savings. AI CONT. "AI is clearly transforming quo ng expecta ons in the manufacturing sector. Yet within the pallet industry, adop on remains limited." 44 Pallet C e nt ral • July -Aug u st 2 0 25

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