Border States Selects Blue Yonder To Streamline Its Warehouse Operations and Improve Customer Service

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Border States Selects Blue Yonder To Streamline Its Warehouse Operations and Improve Customer Service

Leading electrical distributor will implement Blue Yonder’s cloud-based solutions at its first regional distribution center, supported by Open Sky Group

FARGO, N.D., and DALLAS – June 24, 2025 – From rising materials costs to trade tensions, ongoing disruptions and uncertainty continue to generate supply chain challenges for the electrical distribution industry. That’s why Border States, a leading electrical distributor, has selected Blue Yonder to power its first regional distribution center, slated to open in late 2026. Border States will deploy Blue Yonder Warehouse Management and Warehouse Labor Management solutions — underpinned by the Blue Yonder Platform — supported by Open Sky Group, a Blue Yonder partner.

Border States provides innovative products and supply chain solutions to the construction, industrial and utility markets. As one of the largest electrical distributors in the U.S., Border States has grown exponentially over the years, with more than 130 locations across the country. To support its expanding network, Border States is planning to add several distribution centers equipped with robust solutions to streamline operations, so it turned to Blue Yonder to improve warehouse performance and customer service.

With Blue Yonder, Border States will be able to:

  • Optimize end-to-end warehouse processes to increase performance, efficiency and service levels.
  • Effectively manage inventory across a vast network to reduce costs and improve customer service.
  • Increase employee satisfaction and retention to maximize performance and drive continuous improvement.
  • Boost productivity, reduce labor costs and unlock hidden efficiencies with fair, accurate performance tracking powered by engineered standards and real-time work visibility.
  • Scale and adapt operations as needed to support changing demands and overcome disruptions.

“We are excited about our distribution center strategy and collaborations with Blue Yonder and Open Sky Group,” said Tony Serati, vice president, Supply Chain Strategy, Border States. “These collaborations will help better serve our customers, scale our business through strong growth projections, drive operational efficiencies, and enhance the experience for our employee owners. Blue Yonder’s AI-enabled, end-to-end warehousing solutions will enable us to achieve these goals and build a more resilient and scalable supply chain.”

Blue Yonder Warehouse Management leverages machine learning and system-directed activities to achieve end-to-end warehouse optimization. The comprehensive, highly scalable solution will allow Border States to increase accuracy, efficiency, throughput and customer satisfaction. In addition, Blue Yonder Warehouse Labor Management will enable Border States to improve labor productivity, utilization and morale with actionable insights and performance reporting.

“At Open Sky Group, we’re proud to support Border States on this pivotal project,” said Jeremy Hudson, vice president, Client Services, Open Sky Group. “Their investment in Blue Yonder’s advanced warehouse and labor management solutions reflects a strong commitment to operational excellence. We look forward to helping them scale smarter, improve workforce performance, and deliver even greater service to their customers.”

“Leveraging advanced technology and automation is essential for transforming warehouse operations into a competitive advantage,” said Umar Ausaf, general manager, Global Manufacturing, Blue Yonder. “Blue Yonder’s cloud-based solutions will provide Border States with increased visibility, efficiency and control to improve customer service, cost savings and decision-making across their entire supply chain while supporting the company’s long-term growth.”

About Border States

Border States supplies products and services to construction, industrial and utility customers. The 100% employee-owned company is rated the sixth largest electrical distributor in the United States by Electrical Wholesaling magazine. Border States has nearly 3,500 employee-owners in 31 states. The Branch Support Center (corporate office) is located in Fargo, North Dakota.

About Open Sky Group

Open Sky Group stands as a global leader in supply chain technology, boasting a carefully curated portfolio with best-of-breed partners and cutting-edge SaaS platforms. Our diverse operational expertise in multiple supply chain solutions empowers your operations with proven and unparalleled service.

Through our extensive supply chain proficiency and customer-centric focus, we operate as an extension of your existing operations. Being a single solution architect with fluent multi-technology translation, Open Sky Group is your premier supply chain advisor. By merging our partner portfolio with our state-of-the-art SaaS platform, you now possess a comprehensive toolkit for achieving end-to-end supply chain excellence. 

At Open Sky Group, our supply chain experts are dedicated to revolutionizing the way you manage your supply chain. We work to propel your business toward unprecedented levels of success through maximized profitability and efficiency in an increasingly competitive landscape. 

About Blue Yonder

Blue Yonder is the world leader in end-to-end digital supply chain transformation. With a unified, AI-driven platform and multi-tier network, Blue Yonder empowers businesses to operate sustainably, scale profitably, and delight their customers — all at machine speed. A pioneer in applying AI solutions to the most complicated supply chain challenges, Blue Yonder’s modern innovations and unmatched industry expertise help more than 3,000 retailers, manufacturers, and logistics service providers confidently navigate supply chain complexity and disruption. blueyonder.com   

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Jeremy Hudson

Vice President of Client Services

Jeremy’s focus is on the products and services clients need to stay competitive. Open Sky Group’s mission is to deliver technology-enabled solutions that allow our customers to achieve more while having the flexibility to adapt to change. Jeremy lives the core values and mission by bringing the best experience possible to our clients. He is an essential member of implementation teams, working alongside clients, and encouraging them to use innovation and best practices instead of customizations for success.

Jason Yantiss

Vice President of Client Services

Jason provides leadership to a variety of teams focused on implementation and integration. With 27+ years of experience holding operational and technical management roles in transportation, billing, and warehousing across a vast array of industry verticals, Jason is adept at driving multiple complex projects, understanding customer needs at all levels of the operation and providing viable solutions. Jason’s resume of 150+ implementation projects include Warehouse, Labor, Transportation, Yard Management and multiple AR/AP Freight Pay and Customer Billing systems. 

Eric McPherson

Vice President of Client Services

Mac works to oversee implementation and integration projects. A former Marine officer and military police officer, he brings over 27 years of supply chain experience, including 11 years at Blue Yonder in both delivery and service sales. Mac is a dedicated, team-oriented professional with a background in business management, professional services, customer service, and supply chain technology. His specialties include sales support, supply chain execution systems, project management, fulfillment operations, distribution operations, and GSA contracts.

Shannon Caflisch

Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Shannon is responsible for the strategy and management of all sales, business development, and marketing programs. With over 25 years of sales experience and 15 years focused in the supply chain space, Shannon focuses on building strong relationships with clients and partners and strives to deliver the right software solutions to help conquer supply chain challenges. Shannon believes in learning by listening to understand clients’ goals, struggles, and what is important to their business to build lasting, successful relationships.

Alan Prillaman

Senior Vice President of Client Services

As Senior VP of Client Services, Alan oversees all consulting services and account management at Open Sky Group. Possessing over 30 years of combined industry and consulting experience, Alan leverages his unique background in IT, logistics, quality management systems, manufacturing and distribution operations, and facility and strategic account management to provide clients with creative resolutions to complex challenges. His core philosophy and passion are to deliver tangible value for and establish long-term trusted partnerships with our clients.

Mike Noble

Senior Vice President of Technology

As Senior Vice President of Technology, Mike leads Open Sky Group’s Managed Services, Software Services, Infrastructure Services, and Information Technology teams bringing 35+ years of experience in Supply Chain Execution and Information Technology. Mike and his teams ensure we maintain the highest levels of customer service in a secure and reliable environment, constantly reviewing and evaluating new technologies, their appropriateness and applicability so we can safely and securely transact our own business – and help our clients accomplish the same.

Chad Kramlich

CEO

Joining Open Sky Group in 2015, Chad, served as Chief Revenue Officer for three years prior to his appointment to CEO in 2022. With over 25 years of experience delivering results for high-growth software and consulting organizations, Chad is leveraging his background in building efficient and effective implementation teams, establishing high-impact services operations, achieving revenue growth, and deepening executive-level client relations to help propel Open Sky Group into a very successful future.

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