The field of machine learning continues to boast incredible job growth, salaries, and skill sets that can be used in many different industries. Google utilizes this technology in their Cloud product to allow startups to build machine learning models that work on data of any size, while GE utilizes IoT to help detect and prevent anomalies and crashes in their products. These are just a snapshot of the numerous applications of machine learning in the market today that display the potential for an exponential amount of professional expansion. Currently, just in the US alone, there are over 50,000 open roles for machine learning professionals, so now is the time to develop machine learning expertise! In LinkedIn's 2020 Emerging Jobs report, AI Specialist, a role that includes machine learning, deep learning, TensorFlow, and Python as key skills, boasts 74% annual growth.

To sharpen its predictions, the company's health-care division plans to start testing a cloud-based software platform later this year. The platform, made by North Reading, Mass.-based TraceLink Inc., can analyze in real time data points from various organizations within Merck's supply chain, including pharmacies, hospitals and wholesale distributors. TraceLink is now developing machine-learning algorithms that will be used in the pilot, which will begin with immuno-oncology drugs, designed to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer. "We want to start it in an area where the product is a lifesaving product," said Alessandro DeLuca, chief information officer for Merck's health-care division. "The value is going to be that every single patient will receive the drug that he or she needs at the right moment," Mr. DeLuca said, adding that the move could significantly cut drug shortages.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies are quickly becoming "the new normal." Despite alarmist sci-fi predictions about AI from Elon Musk and the late Stephen Hawking, these innovations are set to transform the way wholesale distributors do business. Machines with the ability to take on more intricate work tasks enable a new level of automation across all areas of business. These innovations are particularly valuable for wholesale distributors. How? AI and ML are enabling wholesalers of all sizes, to harness computers to compete with and even surpass human abilities, like improving customer service, reducing costs, and improving up time through predictive maintenance.