Embracing the digital age in the builders merchants industry
The builders merchants industry in the UK is undergoing a significant transformation. With the rise of digital technologies, traditional methods are being replaced by more efficient, customer-centric approaches. This shift is not just about adopting new tools but also about changing the way businesses operate and interact with their customers.
Digital transformation in this sector is driven by the need to improve customer experience, streamline operations, and stay competitive. According to a report by the Builders Merchants Federation, over 70% of builders merchants are now investing in digital technologies to enhance their services. This includes everything from online ordering systems to advanced data analytics.
Key drivers of digital transformation
Several factors are driving the digital transformation in the builders merchants industry. One of the main drivers is the increasing demand for convenience and efficiency from customers. Builders and contractors are looking for quick and easy ways to order materials, track deliveries, and manage their projects.
Another key driver is the need for better data management. With the vast amount of data generated by transactions, inventory management, and customer interactions, builders merchants need robust systems to collect, analyse, and utilise this data effectively. This is where solutions like Product Information Management (PIM) and Product Experience Management (PXM) come into play.
Role of e-commerce in builders merchants
E-commerce is playing a crucial role in the digital transformation of builders merchants. By offering online stores, businesses can reach a wider audience and provide a more convenient shopping experience. According to a study by iWeb, an enterprise e-commerce agency, builders merchants with an online presence have seen a 30% increase in sales.
Our expert solution architects at iWeb have been helping builders merchants set up and optimise their e-commerce platforms. With iWeb’s 30 years of e-commerce experience, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities in this sector. Our talented team specialises in Adobe Commerce, providing tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of builders merchants.
Importance of integration with Akeneo PIM
Integration with Akeneo PIM is essential for builders merchants looking to streamline their operations and improve data management. Akeneo PIM allows businesses to centralise their product information, making it easier to manage and distribute across various channels. This leads to more accurate and consistent product data, which is crucial for providing a seamless customer experience.
iWeb are expert Akeneo PIM Integrators, and our talented UK team has extensive experience in implementing and integrating Akeneo PIM for builders merchants. By leveraging our expertise, businesses can ensure that their product information is always up-to-date and easily accessible.
Enhancing customer experience with Adobe Experience Cloud
Customer experience (CX) is a critical aspect of digital transformation. Builders merchants need to provide a seamless and personalised experience to their customers, both online and offline. Adobe Experience Cloud offers a suite of tools that can help businesses achieve this.
From Adobe Analytics to Adobe Real-time CDP, these tools provide valuable insights into customer behaviour and preferences. This allows builders merchants to tailor their offerings and marketing strategies to meet the needs of their customers. The team at iWeb, with our expertise in Adobe Commerce, can help businesses leverage these tools to enhance their customer experience.
Leveraging marketplace integration
Marketplace integration is another important aspect of digital transformation for builders merchants. By integrating with online marketplaces like Mirakl, businesses can expand their reach and tap into new customer segments. This not only increases sales but also enhances brand visibility.
iWeb’s e-commerce expertise includes marketplace integration services, helping builders merchants seamlessly connect their online stores with popular marketplaces. This ensures a smooth and efficient process for managing orders, inventory, and customer interactions across multiple platforms.
Optimising operations with ERP integration
Efficient operations are key to the success of any business, and builders merchants are no exception. ERP integration allows businesses to streamline their processes, from inventory management to order fulfilment. This leads to improved efficiency, reduced costs, and better customer service.
iWeb’s track record in e-commerce includes providing end-to-end ERP integration services. Our agnostic ERP integrators can work with various systems to ensure a seamless integration that meets the specific needs of builders merchants. This allows businesses to focus on their core operations while we handle the technical aspects.
Future trends in builders merchants digital transformation
The digital transformation journey for builders merchants is ongoing, with new trends and technologies emerging all the time. One of the key trends is the adoption of Progressive Web Apps (PWA), which offer a fast, reliable, and engaging user experience. PWAs combine the best of web and mobile apps, providing a seamless experience across devices.
Another trend is the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance various aspects of the business. From predictive analytics to personalised marketing, AI and ML are helping builders merchants make more informed decisions and provide a better customer experience.
Reach out to iWeb today to learn how we can help you navigate the digital transformation journey and stay ahead of the competition. Our talented team is here to support you every step of the way.
Get in touch
We know commerce, let us help you improve customer experience, increase conversion rates, and make that digital change.
- hello@iweb.co.uk