Artificial intelligence and automation integration opportunities in wholesale companies: quantitative research results and strategic integration roadmap

This article analyses the possibilities for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies in wholesale companies based on quantitative research and the latest statistical data. The aim of the study is to deter-mine the opportunities, benefits, application areas, functions, and challenges related to AI and automation integration in the wholesale sector. The study reveals that although the level of AI and automation technology adoption in wholesale companies remains relatively low (EU average in 2024 – 13.48%), market growth forecasts (CAGR 9.39% by 2034) and respondents’ perceptions indicate significant future development potential. The greatest benefits of AI and automation are observed in logistics, transportation, accounting and production process optimisation, while the main challenges include high initial investment costs, lack of strategic planning, insufficient employee competencies, and social implications. The results confirm that successful integration of AI and automation depends on human resource readiness, strategic planning, and consistent implementation, while the benefits of technology are perceived positively in terms of efficiency, cost reduction, and competitive advantage contexts.