News

Drive to digitalisation: data strategy along the supply chain

On 1 December 2020 over 180 delegates met online for the EDA’s Digitalisation Forum to hear news, views and opportunities on the theme of product data challenges and solutions in the UK electrotechnical supply chain.

The delegates – almost twice the number that attended the face-to-face forum in 2019 – came from across the electrotechnical sector, including wholesalers, manufacturers, software solution providers and other trade associations.

“The presentations covered an excellent scope of considerations – wholesaler, contractor, manufacturer, industry body… Really great to gain perspective from all areas.”

EDA’s Digitalisation Journey: Progress in 2020
Margaret Fitzsimons, CEO, gives an update on the EDA’s progress in 2020.

Setting the scene for a digitalisation strategy
Richard Appleton, General Manager, EDA Data Services outlines the key elements required for a digitalisation strategy.

The Contractors’ View
Phil Thompson, Procurement Data Manager, NG Bailey, explains why high quality product data is vital to contractors for product selection and procurement.

The Wholesalers’ View
Richard Sherin, Group Commercial Director, R & M Electrical Group Ltd, describes the challenge of obtaining product data to drive a multi-channel sales strategy

Ecommerce Simplified
Rob Mannion, CEO, b2b.store, shows how, if the product data is available, any wholesaler can create and launch an ecommerce app within a few days.

The Manufacturer’s View
Mark Abbott, Managing Director, Ansell Lighting, describes how one manufacturer has overcome the challenge of providing ecommerce-friendly product data.

PIM Systems
Shaun Cranstone, Director, NG15, shows how use of a PIM (Product Information Management) system can enable any manufacturer, large or small, to create and manage product data.

What’s on the horizon for digitalisation?
Stuart Squires, Consulting Director, Comma Group, discusses the need for good governance, the strategic value of product data and how it is becoming the central part of every manufacturer’s marketing and customer engagement strategy.