EDI isn\'t just for distributor / manufacturer interactions. It can also effectively be used to reduce operational costs between independent manufacturer representatives and manufacturers while keeping the rep informed on all of the critical information needed to ensure superior customer service to their distributors. IDEA Exchange worked with TradeTech Solutions to develop a … [Read more...] about Digitally Transforming the Rep Service Model with EDI
Industry News
Getting Heard. Podcasts Deliver Thought Leadership
Two of the biggest marketing trends over the past year have been the increased usage of video and the launching of podcasts. The reason – a desire to share more content and capture attention. Video usage has skyrocketed as it becomes the new “face to face” (F2F) medium and it is a means to highlight product application. Podcasts are a means to share thought leadership … [Read more...] about Getting Heard. Podcasts Deliver Thought Leadership
7 Warehouse Tips to Improve Customer Satisfaction
Dick Friedman, a warehouse productivity improvement \"guru\" with much experience working with electrical distributors shares thoughts distributors should consider as there becomes the proverbial \"light at the end of the tunnel\" for COVID (due to pending vaccines), fierce competition and the potential for a resurgent market. Acting now can prepare distributors to support … [Read more...] about 7 Warehouse Tips to Improve Customer Satisfaction
HD Supply Goes Home
The major story in the distribution industry yesterday was Home Depot acquiring HD Supply. While many electrical distributors may wonder “why the coverage” as “we don’t compete with them”, the reality is that Home Depot and HD Supply are competing more and more with electrical distributors. Some will remember that HD Supply was conceived within Home Depot and was eventually … [Read more...] about HD Supply Goes Home
Place Your Content in Front of Contractors
\"Placing Your Content in Front of Contractors\" is the name of a webinar being conducted by Trimble and featuring Panduit. (If you did not attend the webinar and want to view it, click here.) Last week I saw an ad from Trimble promoting its Constructible vision and “teasing” how manufacturers can get their product in front of contractors. Further, they mentioned Panduit, … [Read more...] about Place Your Content in Front of Contractors
The Future of Counters
Distributor counter areas have been spotlighted in the first month of the COVID-19 era. Counters represent between 5-30% of a distributor’s business with the importance of counter sales being directly tied to target audience, locale and business focus. What is their future? According to our Mid-April Electrical Market Sentiment survey, 56% of distributor respondents … [Read more...] about The Future of Counters
Coronavirus Sales BC vs PC
We\'re in an environment that could be called BC vs PC - Before Coronavirus and Post Coronavirus. The challenge is that PC, which could be defined as Q3 and Q4 don\'t look pretty. Everyone, at least manufacturers, are asking \"what is the forecast?\" The challenge is that all want an answer for the short-term. \"What will be \'this month\'? Next month? Q2?\" The … [Read more...] about Coronavirus Sales BC vs PC
