What's Happening?
Manufacturers are increasingly recognizing the necessity of digital transformation to remain competitive in the fast-evolving B2B landscape. Lance Owide, Vice President and General Manager of B2B at Commerce, emphasizes the importance of aligning digital maturity with business objectives to drive growth, profit margins, or regional expansion. The process involves transitioning from traditional offline processes to fully integrated digital operations, focusing on data, systems, and people. Manufacturers are encouraged to adopt a 'crawl, walk, run' approach to manage the transition effectively, starting with data integration and gradually moving towards full digital transactions.
Why It's Important?
Digital maturity is crucial for manufacturers to meet the evolving expectations of customers who demand quick, seamless, and user-friendly experiences. By prioritizing digital transformation, manufacturers can differentiate themselves through superior buyer experiences, which are increasingly cited as reasons for customer loyalty. The shift to digital operations allows manufacturers to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction, ultimately leading to increased revenue and market competitiveness. Failure to prioritize digital maturity may result in falling behind competitors who are already leveraging digital tools to enhance their operations.
What's Next?
Manufacturers are advised to start small by launching informational websites and gradually move towards transactional capabilities. This phased approach allows businesses to digest changes and align digital goals with business objectives. As manufacturers continue to integrate digital tools, they will need to focus on internal alignment and prove the value of digital transformation to drive success. The next steps involve embedding AI into customer experiences and re-architecting business processes to support digital-first thinking.
