Serious about utilizing technology in your business? Then you need to be at IDEA’s eBiz.
Technology is becoming more and more a critical component of a distributor and manufacturer’s business. Not only is it the software and hardware, it is the content and how information is being transmitted.
If you’re serious about delivering services for your customer, improving productivity and profitability and expect to be in business long term (versus selling short term), continual technology knowledge (and yes, investment) is essential. IDEA’s eBiz conference is about more than data for your ERP system. It’s about efficiency, productivity, customer services and profitability. It’s important for your company to be represented to stay current and ensure you remain informed.
With the conference coming in September, we reached out to IDEA for insights on “who to send” and some insights on the agenda (and ElectricalTrends readers also receive an additional $50 discount by mentioning ElectricalTrends or entering the discount code of “Extra50.”
Event dedicated to eCommerce, product content and EDI
It’s a banner year for IDEA’s eBiz, held Sept. 16-18, 2019 in Philadelphia. The industry event, designed for customers who work in eCommerce, ERP content and EDI, coincides with the much-anticipated launch of the new IDEA ConnectorSM platform. The new version of IDEA Connector, a master data management solution, is ushering in a new era of efficiency for distributors and manufacturers with new capabilities for accessing product and pricing data for use in both eCommerce and ERP systems. IDEA ConnectorSM serves over 7,000 distributor locations and includes product data for more than 2.5 million SKUs, representing over 700 manufacturer brands and 3,000 subbrands.
“Every IDEA customer should be sending a person to this meeting. Not only are the sessions dedicated to IDEA’s applications and services, but it’s a great opportunity to give direct feedback on products, network with others, find solutions to problems and discover new ways to automate and innovate,” said Larry Stern, president of Standard Electric Supply Co.
Who Should Attend
IDEA’s eBiz is a hands-on meeting for customers of IDEA’s applications and services; companies send their key staff in IT and eCommerce—both decision-makers and implementers—to get more value from their investments in product data and automation and gain a competitive edge.
Information technology and eCommerce leaders come to eBiz to refine their eBusiness strategy, solve problems, save money, and connect with trading partners and exhibitors.
Manufacturer marketing and product managers will discover several sessions dedicated to manufacturers, meet face to face with their distributor trading partners, network and share best practices with other manufacturers, and participate in IDEA ConnectorSM user’s group meeting.
Distributor specialists in IT, marketing/eCommerce, EDI and ERP administration will find sessions focused on their areas of expertise, plus opportunities for training, Q&A with experts, networking and IDEA ConnectorSM user group meeting.
Featured Education and Training
The education tracks at this year’s eBiz are: best practices, solution sessions, training workshops and industry trends.
Highlights include:
- New IDEA Connector Platform
To get the most value from the new IDEA Connector, attendees can attend one-on-one training, 4 deep dive sessions, ask questions from the experts, and learn about features for future implementation. In addition, on Monday, all customers are strongly encouraged to send a representative to the IDEA ConnectorSM User’s Group meeting, where they can provide feedback and gain even more direct insights on new features and tools.
- IDEA Connector Partner PIM
With the Enable Platform, distributors and manufacturers can leverage IDEA Connector and obtain their own Product Information Management (PIM) at a fraction of the cost. The eBiz session will explain the value of a PIM, how the Partner PIM program works and how to get up and running with minimal implementation costs.
- EDI Automation
The business benefits of EDI are indisputable: EDI speeds up orders, fulfillments and payments. It eliminates errors while giving you more ways to track and improve performance. eBiz will have several sessions to help you increase your savings and ROI from automation, including how to: Choose in-house or outsourced EDI; maximize speed and efficiency between manufacturers, distributors, manufacturers reps and customers; and mine your EDI data for actionable information.
- Panel: Real Talk About Product Content
IDEA is putting everything on the table with this candid panel on product content issues. Distributors and manufacturers will have a lively exchange with questions from the audience.
Exhibition and Networking
At the Innovation Hub, attendees can visit exhibitions from sponsors such as Distributor Data Solutions (DDS), ES Tech Group / EvolutionX-Electrical, Insite, Epicor, Snap36, Conexiom, PartsSolutions, DataZen Engineering, EnterWorks and Faxinating Solutions as well as view technology demos for eBusiness products and services for the electrical industry, like: data management and data synchronization, PIM (product information management), ERP systems, mobile app and cloud services, cash flow and billing, warehouse/logistics and supply chain performance and sales.
Other electrical manufacturers and distribution organizations are also sponsors.
Attendees can also visit “Ask the Experts” and get their questions answered by the IDEA staff.
Finally, some of the most valuable moments at eBiz happen when attendees network and connect with their peers, learning about best practices, avoiding obstacles and gaining wisdom on specific situations.
Early Bird Discount Ending Soon
Save $200 with the early bird discount for eBiz. It ends July 31, so sign up now and stack your exclusive ElectricalTrends discount of a $50 discount by adding the coupon code “Extra50”. Click here to register.
Sign up for 1 on 1 IDEA ConnectorSM Training—Slots Are Filling Up
Take advantage of the in-person training at eBiz 2019 for the new IDEA Connector. These appointments will be on a first come, first served basis so sign up today.
Join the IDEA ConnectorSM User’s Group
If you are an IDEA customer, it is recommended to send a representative to the user group; not only is it a great way to get more value out of your investment, but companies also can have their feedback heard. Join the IDEA ConnectorSM User Group by contacting ideaconnectorusergroup@idea4industry.com.
eBiz – where electrical distribution technology gets discussed.
Will you be attending?
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