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| E-Commerce – Changing the way we do business Published April 2021 With the mention of the term, “e-Commerce,” everyone immediately thinks of Amazon as the pioneer, but it was actually launched in 1982 by Boston Computer Exchange as an online market for reselling/selling computer equipment. Amazon entered into e-commerce in 1995 strictly for ordering books and the rest is history. E-commerce is basically any digitized ordering system through the Internet, which streamlines the product ordering and delivery process. The main advantage of online selling is being able to sell to consumers anywhere, anytime -- where and when they want to shop. It doesn’t matter if they’re sitting at home on the couch, on their lunchbreak at work, or even using an online app in a physical store – they can conduct and complete a purchase online. Online shopping is not a new concept but with COVID and lockdowns, it exploded to become the #1 way to shop and do business. In 2020, e-commerce expanded to include everything from groceries to appliances putting many “big box stores” out of business. Today e-commerce is the top sales catalyst in changing distribution sales operations by offering online information such as stock, delivery options and billing. Customer service reps can be located anywhere (home or office) to provide 24/7 service. Utilizing integrated e-commerce channels makes it easy for distributors to use and provides a vehicle for getting detailed technical information quickly, securing orders and providing real-time tracking capabilities. Leviton continues to expand their e-commerce platform to provide all their distribution partners with an easy-to-use, all-inclusive, one-stop shopping portal. E-commerce is more than just shopping, it’s the all about the constant flow of communication. Leviton’s e-commerce is focused on supporting distribution and their customers through the entire journey of specifying the right products and having them available at the right time and at the right price. Key Efficiencies “The key efficiencies of Leviton’s e-commerce program for distributors includes data synchronization and a proficient electronic data interchange (EDI) system, which ultimately promotes paperless transactions through an easy-to-use B2B application,” explains Chris Pego, Leviton Senior Manager, e-Commerce. Data synchronization establishes data consistency between all databases and automatically updates to the most recent information, whether it is a customer location or customer preference. This eliminates errors due to outdated information, saves manpower hours with automatic updates and speeds up time to market with quick access to accurate data. In addition, the EDI system synchronizes pricing, as well as product data, which reduces transaction time creating a more accurate order entry system by interfacing with accounts payable and accounts receivable through e-invoicing. Within 24 hours of ordering, e-invoicing provides the invoice information (purchase order), shipping schedule and advance notice of the shipment. This allows distributors to have a better handle on inventory to make sure the products their customers use the most are always in stock. The EDI system keeps up with the latest changes, such as updating UPC codes for existing and new items. A paperless EDI system means no more lost orders due to overlooked faxes, mailed purchase orders, emails or phone calls. This reduces mistakes, lowers returns and promotes a more loyal customer base. B2B at Your Fingertips B2B (business-to-business) marketing focuses on logical process-driven purchasing decisions, while B2C (business to customer) focuses on engaging directly with the end user (customer). Leviton offers a comprehensive B2B website for our channel partners and in turn, they reach out to their contractors and customers through their own B2C portals. Leviton’s Customer Portal provides users with the latest information on orders, inventory, item replacement, pricing and even links to carrier sites. This site offers secure access (password protected) any time and any day including weekends and can be accessed from any mobile device, allowing instantaneous information. To register for access, you will need to enter your Leviton account number by visiting Leviton.com/b2b. If you haven’t set up your account, click the new user registration link to begin the registration process. For more information on Leviton's B2B portal and on Leviton’s e-commerce suite of services, visit Leviton.com/b2b. Previous Article | Next Article |
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