Riverhawk Industrial Supply, a growing distributor serving power generation, construction, and industrial maintenance clients, is known for its high-touch service and technical expertise. As the industrial supply sector undergoes rapid digital transformation, Riverhawk is eager to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to remain competitive and scale efficiently.

Despite growing interest in emerging technologies, Riverhawk currently lacks a structured framework to evaluate, prioritize, and implement AI initiatives. Leadership is aware that AI has the potential to drive improvements across key strategic goals—such as expanding gross margins, increasing revenue, reducing operating costs, enhancing the customer experience, optimizing working capital, and strengthening talent development. However, with a wide range of possible applications—ranging from sales automation and inventory forecasting to intelligent customer service and pricing optimization—it is difficult to determine where to start.

This project aims to bridge that gap by helping Riverhawk identify, assess, and prioritize high-impact AI opportunities that are technically feasible, operationally compatible, and financially justifiable. The student team will explore the broader AI landscape in industrial distribution, evaluate opportunities using a custom balanced scorecard, and work closely with Riverhawk leadership to select and plan for the implementation of a top-priority initiative. This work will not only guide Riverhawk's near-term technology strategy but also provide a reusable decision-making framework for future innovation efforts.