FROM TRADITIONAL TO DIGITAL

B2B Manufacturing’s Digital Path to Ecommerce Success

In today's market, B2B manufacturers must adapt or risk falling behind. Discover how embracing ecommerce can transform your business model, streamline operations, and position your company for long-term success. Learn from real-world examples and actionable insights to stay ahead of the competition.

Ecommerce is no longer exclusive to direct-to-consumer retailers. With the rise of digital platforms, manufacturers are stepping into the ecommerce arena, targeting both B2B and D2C markets. Recent global events, including the pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, have expedited this shift, disrupting traditional sales channels and supply chains. Manufacturers must adapt their purchasing and selling processes, transforming their entire business model.

Traditional Operations and Limitations

Traditional B2B manufacturing operations often rely on manual processes and face limitations in the digital age. These methods are less efficient and fail to meet the demands of modern, tech-savvy customers.

Current Trends

• McKinsey & Company found that 70% of B2B decision-makers prefer remote human interactions or digital self-service due to ease of scheduling, savings on travel expenses, and overall safety.
• Forrester projects that U.S. B2B ecommerce sales will reach $3 trillion by 2027.
• Nearly two-thirds (65%) of B2B companies now offer ecommerce capabilities, fully executing sales transactions online. (Retail Touchpoints)

Challenges

B2B manufacturers face several challenges in adopting ecommerce:

• System Integration—Integrating complex legacy systems with new online platforms.
• Website Design—Creating user-friendly websites that effectively convey their brand/products.
• Change Management—Inability to get buy-in or technical expertise to help facilitate a digital transformation. 

These challenges can hinder competitiveness in a rapidly changing market. The inability to swiftly update and optimize online platforms can result in lost market share. High development and operational costs drain resources, while inefficiencies and outdated processes lead to customer dissatisfaction and decreased sales effectiveness. 

Over time, these issues strain daily operations and stifle long-term growth, weakening the manufacturer's market position.

The Importance of Digital Integration

Integrating ecommerce offers numerous benefits, including:

• Improved Customer Experiences—Streamlined digital operations lead to enhanced customer satisfaction.
• Increased Efficiency and Reduced Costs—Automation and integration improve efficiency and lower operational costs.
• Enhanced Data Analytics—Better decision-making and forecasting through improved data analytics capabilities.
• Competitive Advantage—Meeting the evolving demands of digital-savvy customers provides a competitive edge.

However, manufacturers that fail to integrate digital operations risk losing market share to more agile competitors.

Achieving Effective Digital Integration

To address these challenges and leverage the benefits of ecommerce, B2B manufacturers should focus on:

• Assessment and Evaluation—Evaluate current operations to identify areas for digital integration. Acro Commerce’s in-depth Discovery & Strategy phases pinpoint specific needs and gaps that must be addressed.
• Implementing Agile Integration—Use an agile integration framework to facilitate seamless integration of ecommerce platforms with existing systems. Acro Commerce’s decoupled accelerator, Gesso, ensures that digital transformations are smooth and minimize disruptions.
• Leveraging Technical Solutions—Utilize technical solutions that enhance digital operations. Acro Commerce’s integration partnership ecosystem brings best-in-class Ecommerce, ERP, design, and content management tools together to build the setup you need today, tomorrow and well into the future.
• Commerce Experts—Partnering with an experienced ecommerce development agency like Acro Commerce to ensure a smooth transition. Expert guidance can significantly reduce the time and cost associated with digital transitions.

Our Expertise

We specialize in digital transformation and tailored ecommerce technology for B2B companies and manufacturers. We work with companies looking to move their sales processes online or those with disjointed tech stacks struggling to find a platform that connects data or accommodates how they sell.

Common challenges we address include the inability to sell directly to customers via digital commerce, the need to manage multiple systems, and frustrations with proprietary technologies that stifle innovation. 

Our customized solutions integrate seamlessly with existing business systems, streamline workflows, and incorporate self-service functionalities to meet the expectations of modern B2B buyers.

Case Study: Accurate Industries

Background

Accurate Industries, the largest steam room and sauna equipment distributor in the United States, faced significant challenges integrating their Acumatica ERP with their Drupal Commerce ecommerce platform. The lack of communication between these systems resulted in manual processes for updating product pages, managing customer accounts, and fulfilling orders.

Our Solution

• API Development—Created an API for real-time bi-directional communication between Acumatica and Drupal Commerce.
• Operational Streamlining—Synchronized product information, automated price management, and organized online and offline orders.

Results

• Seamless product catalogue updates.
• Synchronized customer data.
• Streamlined order fulfillment.
• Improved operational efficiency.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction.

Paving the Way for Growth

The journey to ecommerce success for B2B manufacturers is fraught with challenges but also ripe with opportunities. Manufacturers can navigate this transition smoothly and effectively by partnering with Acro Commerce. 

Our expertise and tailored solutions equip businesses with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age, turning potential obstacles into stepping stones for success. 

Transform your B2B manufacturing business with our tailored ecommerce solutions that swiftly and cost-effectively streamline your digital transformation, meeting and exceeding the evolving demands of the digital marketplace.

Transform your digital presence with a single call.

Book a meeting with one of our ecommerce experts to find out how we can help you build the future of your business.