Sandy Hook, CT – June 24, 2020 - Having a Strong Digital Presence is Crucial for Distributors Moving Forward: A new business reality requires new distributor thinking. The shopping journey as we know it has significantly shifted as a result of the pandemic, with an undeniable need to enhance the online customer experience. With social distancing guidelines in place, more customers are looking for a webstore that delivers rich content, filtered navigation, advanced search capabilities, and a superior, connected customer portal. For distributors to keep up with the changing needs of their online customers, having an ERP connected webstore that creates a seamless shopping experience is imperative.

As a consumer, you might purchase household items or groceries online, but how often do you use the internet to purchase business goods? If you don’t at this point, there’s a good chance you may in the near future.

For many JanSan distributors, evaluating eCommerce software solutions can feel a tad overwhelming. You know what you want — a robust solution that allows you to compete online and provides an exceptional customer experience, but what do you really need?

If you’re looking to implement a new eCommerce solution, we’re here to help. We’ve spoken with hundreds of JanSan distributors and developed the following list of features that matter most in their business:

1. Compatibility

DDI System announced the release of Inform eCommerce Pro, a flexible eCommerce platform for both B2B and B2C retail shoppers.

Home improvement has been one of the strongest segments in retail since the recession. When homeowners are shopping to repair or remodel their homes, the ability to consult with an expert is an attractive option.

DDI System, a leader in the ERP software technology space, unveiled several new eCommerce tools and features proving its dedication to delivering a fully integrated, end-to-end solution for wholesale distributors.

DDI System’s Inform eCommerce solution is an affordable, real-time storefront that uses real customer product, pricing and contact specific information from Inform ERP to populate online stores. This real-time information gives distributors up to the minute pricing, product availability and order history without double order entry.

Inform Connects brought together 250 Inform ERP system users for 2 days of intensive training on system capabilities, new features and thought provoking strategies facing the modern distributor. This year’s conference leveraged well-known industry thought leaders Steve Epner and Dirk Beveridge. Dirk brought energy to the crowd as he discussed innovation and building a new, relevant customer experience — something DDI System leverages as part of their mantra every single day. “What customers crave—and what few companies provide—are well designed experiences and complete solutions to their problems,” said Beveridge.

One core topic of conversation throughout the competition was around eCommerce and DDI’s ability to serve the meet customer needs 24/7. The eCommerce session (“Creating a Symphonic Customer Experience with eCommerce”) brought some of the largest audience attendance and excitement. DDI continues to enhance their all-in-one ERP solution and drive interest in eCommerce for the modern distributor. “Inform Connects was an opportunity for our users to see the full breadth of their ERP system, including elements they are not currently using and companion products that can further drive growth.

Distributors need to prepare themselves for the upcoming demand for m-commerce! Having an integrated e-commerce site in place now established your e-commerce workflow and solidifies your customer's online account access.

What is M-commerce? Mobile commerce, or m-commerce, is a growing evolution optimizing e-commerce websites, sales apps and similar tools for mobile devices.

Industrial Distribution magazine's latest article discusses the need for distributors to utilize strong tools to succeed in an online sales world.  Understanding profit margins and sales can make or break an online storefront. 

Industrial Supply Magazine recently published an article titled "Why Distributors Must Have an E-Commerce Site". In this article, Dean Mueller and Jonathan Bein talk about how sites such as Amazon.com have elevated customer expectations of online transactions. The way we buy as "home" consumers also carries over into our "work" purchases in a B2B world.