The last couple of years have seen a plethora of lighting innovations in a quest to \"control\" the ceiling and eventually a building, a network of buildings and then cities. This is the vision of smart cities ... interconnected devices that enable \"control\" of various electrical and mechanical systems. It starts with lighting controls and can then migrate to building … [Read more...] about The Intelligent Building – A reality or just an IoT dream?
Technology & Digital
Distributors. Has Amazon Business Been Good for You?
Conventional wisdom is that Amazon Business is not good for MRO and construction distributors.They are a technological behemoth that knows nothing about “our space” and are only successful because they can: throw money at the issue / opportunity have the most advanced technology and know-how to mine data have access to consumers who work in companies (and hence are … [Read more...] about Distributors. Has Amazon Business Been Good for You?
Protecting Price and the Channel in an Online Marketplace World (Amazon)
Amazon Business is talked about regularly within distribution industries in general and especially in the MRO space. Barely a meeting goes by with a manufacturer where the topic of \"what should we do regarding Amazon Business\" is not asked as is the question of \"what are distributors doing online (and to combat Amazon)?\" And then the discussion evolves to internal … [Read more...] about Protecting Price and the Channel in an Online Marketplace World (Amazon)
eCommerce Product Content is King
When times are tough people often say “cash is king”. This can frequently determine which companies survive and thrive during difficult economic times and those that suffer. Nowadays, as companies ramp up their eCommerce initiatives product content is king. This is occurring for two reasons: Quality, robust product content delivers on customer expectations. These … [Read more...] about eCommerce Product Content is King
eCommerce Creating a Distribution Dividing Line?
For the past few years many have talked about eCommerce and have made investment plans. Now a number of these investments are coming to fruition and the conversation is evolving to “where is this going?”, “what are customers doing / wanting?”, “what do I need to do to stay ahead?”, “how do I catch up?”, “what is needed to recapture my investment / what will my ROI be?” along … [Read more...] about eCommerce Creating a Distribution Dividing Line?
Websites and Your Coffee
Recently there have been a number of distributors who have launched upgraded websites with eCommerce capabilities. Reportedly launch times range from 4 to 28 months ... and maybe more (Kirby Risk, State Electric, Independent Electric, Fairmont Supply, Turtle & Hughes, Electric Supply (Tampa). And we know other major ones coming online soon and some are upgrading their … [Read more...] about Websites and Your Coffee
Revenue Generation, Content Key Takeaways from B2B Online Conference
eCommerce continues to be a heavily discussed issue within the electrical industry with distributors, in aggregate, investing millions of dollars and manufacturers redesigning sites, investing to build, manage and enhance product content and considering the alternative channels that eCommerce is creating be it Amazon Business, Grainger and Zoro, HomeDepot.com, Ferguson.com, … [Read more...] about Revenue Generation, Content Key Takeaways from B2B Online Conference
