Manufacturers need to use the web to compete effectively in today’s economy. Websites aren’t just for consumer (B2C) sales anymore. Web technology has an important place in small and mid-size manufacturing companies.
The same market disruption that is causing consumers to buy from Amazon versus their local mall is changing the expectations of your business buyers. If you aren't investing in your digital experience for your customers, you will lose market share to your more digitally-savvy competitors.
Gain corporate buy-in by looking for how digital technology can support existing priorities in your organization. Here are five common manufacturing priorities that are effectively addressed using digital.
- Do more with existing customer service team
Everyone is trying to do more with less. As your manufacturing company grows, how can you take more orders with your existing team? Innovative manufacturers are using online ordering to allow their customer service team to focus on higher value-added activities and give their customers tools they appreciate. - Speed up turnaround time
We have helped customers go from 72 hours (from an order placed to shipped) to 24 hours through eCommerce that is integrated with their ERP software. - Reduce shipping errors
By integrating your website with your back office software, you eliminate costly errors caused when customers fax in their orders and have hard to read handwriting or when a customer service rep makes a typo when entering the order. - Expand globally
Businesses need to compete globally, and the web can be an important part of that transition. Translate your site into new languages to support your global efforts. - Improve customer communication
Allow customers to access important files, their specific pricing reports on shipments and more through a web portal with information that makes their lives easier and reduces their calls to your customer service desk.
By focusing on strategic priorities for your business, you can invest in improving your digital experience in a way that will yield the most value to your business.
