Akeneo

Akeneo Overview

Akeneo is a global leader in Product Experience Management (PXM) solutions that help merchants and brands deliver a compelling customer experience across all sales channels, including eCommerce, mobile, print, and retail points of sale. Akeneo’s open-source enterprise PIM, and product data intelligence solutions, dramatically improve product data quality and accuracy while simplifying and accelerating product catalogue management.

Company Snapshot

Company HQ

Global

Regions Served

Asia & India, Australia & New Zealand, Europe, North America, UK & Ireland

Year Founded

2013

Employees

1-50

Market Focus

Enterprise, Mid-market

Company Type

Private

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Case Studies by Akeneo

B2B for manufacturers is an evolving process

Akeneo

With B2B ecommerce here to stay manufacturers must evolve their sales strategies to embrace a digital-first approach and deliver the types of digital experiences consumer expect to remain competitive and grow their business, according to research by physical digital platform provider Copperberg, ecommerce solutions provider Intershop, and digital agency Valtech. The report, which surveyed 50…

A US distributor aims for 85% of all sales as digital

Akeneo

Fastenal’s ongoing push for more digital sales is right on schedule — and still a big corporate strategic priority, says CEO Dan Florness. “As we have seen in prior quarters, we continue to see really strong growth in ecommerce. Recall that last fall, that broke 20% of revenue for the first time. I believe this…

B2B Buying is Changing – Are You?

Akeneo

Not All Buyers Are Created Equal Sam Aldinger of Fastenal dropped a foundational reminder: you can’t treat every B2B buyer the same. There’s a major difference between the production buyer who needs specific, engineered components, and the maintenance buyer making fast, unplanned purchases to keep things running. Those are two very different buying behaviors and…

How to sell complex B2B products online

Akeneo

It’s not uncommon for manufacturers and distributors selling complex products and services to believe their offerings are ill-suited for ecommerce. The reason is that many B2B sellers feel complex products are better suited to a face-face sales environment where the sales representatives can educate buyers about the product and its benefits to their business, whereas…

An e-procurement tale of the tape

Akeneo

Economists foresee a potentially challenging year ahead for businesses, with an estimated 65% chance the U.S. will enter a recession in 2023. Amid economic uncertainty, B2B companies will prioritize purchasing efficiency, reevaluate procurement resources, and seek new ways to eliminate time-consuming and error-prone manual processes, says a new blog post from e-procurement provider TradeCentric As buyers…

The comprehensive PIM buyers guide

Akeneo

With hundreds of PIM software vendors worldwide, choosing the right PIM solution can be a daunting & confusing task. Use our guide to assess PIM solutions against the right capabilities to make an objective and informed choice.

Boost your online sales by putting your B2B customers first

Akeneo

The world of B2B commerce is changing. Business buyers are highly influenced by what they are used to as B2C consumers. As a result, the buying experience has become a key means of competitive differentiation. Organizations must provide the best services possible, as personalized as possible. This whitepaper provides answers to 4 key questions: How…

Follow the VC money from seed to exit

Akeneo

What does a successful exit look like? What separates the winners? After the recent acquisition of my startup, Reflektion, these questions have hit home in a much more personal way. While there are many steps to take—from hiring employees to building the product roadmap and development lifecycle, a key foundational one is selecting the right…

The Key To B2B eCommerce Success

Akeneo

So what is the key to B2B eCommerce success? Is it Integration with your back end systems, mobile enablement, customer experience, social media? While those are important. The key to success really lies in understanding this one statement from Justin King, a B2B eCommerce expert and thought leader for over 20 years. And I really…

Prioritize digitally empowered sales reps

Akeneo

Some salespeople are distrustful of online ecommerce, perhaps due to fear of it taking away their ability to sell to customers or its disruptiveness into existing processes. But contrary to popular belief, sales teams will continue to play an essential role in organizations that sell to businesses. Buyers made it clear they prefer a cross-channel…

Australia’s First B2B Marketplace for SMBs Launches as TradeSquare

Akeneo

Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are set to experience a first for Australia as a new platform launches offering them the ease and convenience of online shopping for work-related purchases. TradeSquare, an Australian-owned and focussed platform links vendors and wholesalers with small businesses seeking brands in hospitality, healthcare, retail, education, childcare and more, allowing them…

Best-of-Breed vs Unified Platforms

Akeneo

Master your tech strategy with the best fit! Master your tech strategy with the best fit!About the Whitepaper: Choosing between a best-of-breed approach or a unified platform for your eCommerce needs can be tricky. In this whitepaper, “Best of Breed vs Unified Platforms,” we break down both models’ key differences, benefits, and challenges to help…

A distributor offers 4 million SKUs online

Akeneo

TruckPro LLC , a provider of heavy-duty truck and trailer parts and services headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, now offers over 4 million SKUs online. This expansion brings the largest selection of products, including OEM and aftermarket brands, captive parts, and unique hard-to-find parts, to customers seeking a one-stop shop for their heavy-duty parts needs, the…

Why ecommerce leaders must be agents of change

Akeneo

Getting ahead in B2B ecommerce is hard and it is even harder do it alone. The key to success is developing the right partners both inside and outside the enterprise. That is part of the key advice and best practices Justin King, vice president B2B and chief strategist for Salsify, told attendees at the B2B…

A steel distributor builds up its digital base

Akeneo

A distributor of rolled steel products continues to fully embrace B2B digital commerce. In 2020, Mill Steel Co., a distribution company headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., launched Millsteelframing.com. Among other features, the site included tools enabling customers to upload product specifications and access more technical information. In December 2021, the company added B2B ecommerce. Mill…

How CPQ can transform your B2B business

Akeneo

If your sales teams are losing precious hours configuring, pricing, and quoting, it could be the perfect time to embark on a digital transformation – one that simplifies the quoting process and frees up your sales team to spend more time with current and prospective customers over crunching numbers and chasing approvals. The benefits and…

B2B ecommerce gains momentum and sales

Akeneo

B2B ecommerce continues to become an even more mainstream channel for business organizations of all sizes, says a new report from DynamicWeb and Sapio Research. The survey of 403 companies with annual revenue of at least $20 million and located in the U.S., United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden finds that 78% of…

More B2B buyers want digital purchase options

Akeneo

B2B buyers are very focused and demanding in the digital purchasing experience they expect from sellers, according to a new McKinsey & Co. survey of nearly 4,000 business executives in 13 countries. “B2B companies winning the most market share are simultaneously employing five major modern sales and marketing tactics,” the survey says. The five sales…

A B2B marketplace stakes out life sciences

Akeneo

Labviva Inc., a B2B marketplace that serves buyers and sellers in the life sciences industry, has raised $20 million in new working funds. The marketplace, which serves buyers and sellers at global pharmaceutical and academic organizations, received the funds from Biospring Partners, with participation from existing investors Senator Investment Group, B Capital Group, and Glasswing…

Reimagining Sales in a Digital-First B2B World

Akeneo

Part 3 of the Executive Briefing Series for Manufacturing & Distribution Leaders If you’ve been around long enough in manufacturing or distribution, you know one thing for sure: Relationships have always been at the heart of B2B sales and that hasn’t changed. But what has changed dramatically is how those relationships begin, scale, and get…

A big US retailer upends its digital supply chain

Akeneo

How business-to-consumer or B2C ecommerce sites operate have a direct correlation on how business digital commerce and supply chains perform. A true case in point is Target Corp., one of the biggest US mass merchant chain retailers. Target is spending $100 million to open new distribution centers and speed up its supply chain. “We plan…

Small businesses eye belt tightening

Akeneo

Amazon Business polled 500 small business decision-makers in the United States in March and found that 61% of respondents will look for ways to reduce the costs associated with B2B purchases over the coming year. In addition, 61% of respondents say staying within budget is a priority. T “Small and medium-sized business owners say concerns…

Why organizations are ranking B2B ecommerce as a high priority

Akeneo

B2B ecommerce is no longer just a minor priority, says Will Santry, vice president and head of SAP Customer Experience, ANZ. Instead, business-to-business digital commerce has “become the new normal channel,” Santry told attendees this week at the B2B Ecommerce Forum in Gold Coast Australia, an event built by a strategic partnership between iMedia and…

How ANZ leaders are winning in B2B ecommerce today

Akeneo

Are you ready to dive into the dynamic world of B2B eCommerce in Australia and New Zealand? Our latest report, in partnership with SAP, reveals pivotal insights that are shaping the industry’s future. The digital divide and its implications Our findings highlight a growing digital divide among B2B sellers. With eCommerce rapidly evolving, some companies…

The evolution of distributors in the digital age

Akeneo

For decades, distributors have been the essential link in supply chains, bridging the gap between manufacturers and end customers. They have thrived on building relationships, managing inventories, and navigating complex logistics. However, in the digital age, this traditional model is under pressure. As technology advances and customer expectations shift toward speed, convenience, and transparency, the…

B2B eCommerce: Death of a Salesman?

Akeneo

Tempted to launch a B2B eCommerce site, but concerned it could negatively impact your existing sales team or muddy the waters with customers? While there’s been much debate about how eCommerce sites will negate the role of the traditional B2B sales rep, there’s also reason to believe the integrating a B2B eCommerce well into your…

5 Best Practices for B2B eCommerce Success

Akeneo

The industry’s rapidly evolving and nowadays B2B buyers are looking to make purchases with the same ease and convenience as they do in the B2C world, online. But these two models are different and B2B sellers must create a digital strategy with these differences in mind to ensure loyalty and a seamless buying experience. B2B…

A B2B marketplace completes a big deal

Akeneo

An auctioneer and operator of B2B marketplace equipment of used construction recently put the finishing touches on a busy first quarter. For starters, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers completed its $7.3 billion acquisition of Westchester, Illinois-based IAA, which facilitates the marketing and sale of total-loss, damaged and low-value vehicles. “The closing of the IAA acquisition represents the…

State of B2B Ecommerce Australia Report 2022

Akeneo

Packed with thorough research and in-depth Australian insights, The State of B2B Ecommerce report reveals what you need to grow your B2B business in a modern landscape. For businesses that want to stay relevant and keep up with the competition, ecommerce is key in 2022. Our report contains: B2B by the numbers Business characteristics 8…

Oro recognized for B2B digital commerce use case for second consecutive year

Akeneo

Oro ranked second highest for the B2B Digital Commerce Use Case with a score of 3.98/5 in the 2022 Gartner Critical Capabilities for Digital Commerce Platforms. Download the Critical Capabilities for Digital Commerce report to learn more about: Why Oro was ranked second highest for the B2B eCommerce Use Case. What other capabilities Oro was…

Navigating Digital Transformation with Allen Rigby at NHP Electrical Engineering Products

Akeneo

In today’s fast-paced digital world, B2B companies face a common challenge: delivering an efficient, customer-centric experience that meets the unique demands of their diverse customer base. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Allen Rigby, Product Owner for Digital Customer Experience and Lead-to-Order at NHP Electrical Engineering Products, who shared insights into NHP’s…

Caterpillar launches its first-ever app

Akeneo

Caterpillar Inc. is upping its mobile commerce game. The company is one of the world’s biggest manufacturers of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial turbines and related products. And most recently, Caterpillar, with 2022 sales and revenues of $59.4 billion and an iconic U.S. manufacturer in business for nearly 100 years,…

Replatforming in B2B commerce: Success factors and best practices

Akeneo

Replatforming – the changeover to a modern B2B e-commerce solution that is designed to meet the growing expectations of demanding B2B customers – is very often believed to be (too) expensive and time-consuming. Yet this is an inaccurate and dangerous assumption. If you want to be successful in B2B in the long term, you have…

PunchOut2Go gains investment boost

Akeneo

Global B2B integration company PunchOut2Go has received a substantial growth investment from Susquehanna Growth Equity (SGE), an entrepreneur-focused investment fund. The company’s first external investment since its foundation nearly a decade ago, the investment is expected to further global expansion amid growing demand for procurement automation solutions. “Since our inception, we’ve been at the centre…

Gartner® 2024 Magic Quadrant™ for Search and Product Discovery

Akeneo

Coveo is recognized as a Leader and positioned Highest on the Ability to Execute axis in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Search and Product Discovery.

5 career tips for B2B marketers

Akeneo

Time to call them exactly as I see them. Five things marketers need to know, right now, in 50 seconds: Growing Recession Fears Hit Marketing Marketing layoffs accelerating. My latest survey April 6 shows 57% of respondents report marketing-related cutbacks at current or most recent employer, or expecting it. The vast majority of marketing resumes coming from…

Grainger grows ecommerce

Akeneo

It was a good start to the business year for W.W. Grainger Inc. both overall and online. For the first quarter ended March 31, total sales grew 12.5%. That’s up to $4.091 billion from $3.647 billion in the first quarter of 2022. Net earnings were $488 million vs. $366 million in the prior year’s Q1….

Caterpillar’s ecommerce parts sales exceed $2 billion

Akeneo

Caterpillar Inc., one of the world’s largest construction equipment manufacturers, is giving the business world a glimpse of how well its ecommerce channel is doing. Over the next three years, Caterpillar expects its ecommerce sales, primarily for parts sold through its dealer websites and through its parts website, to grow at least 50%. “We’ve also…

B2B ecommerce’s resilience amidst economic uncertainty

Akeneo

The landscape of B2B ecommerce in the United States has undergone a remarkable transformation, solidifying its position as a pivotal sales channel. In a year marked by economic turbulence, digital sales on B2B ecommerce platforms, password-protected sites, and mobile applications experienced a robust 17% growth, soaring from $1.95 billion in 2022 to an impressive $2.1…

AOSS Medical Supply: Charting a course to B2B ecommerce excellence

Akeneo

AOSS Medical Supply, a notable name in the medical supply industry, especially in plasma and dialysis, has made significant strides in the B2B sector. With a vast product range exceeding 20,000 items and partnerships with over 4,000 vendors, AOSS, headquartered in Monroe, LA, and with facilities in key locations, stands as at the forefront of…

German B2B ecommerce to grow 33%

Akeneo

B2B ecommerce is coming of age in Germany, Europe’s biggest economy. B2B ecommerce in Germany grew by 30.7% in 2021 to 352 billion Euros (US $374 billion), says a recent report from ECC KÖLN, Intershop, Adobe and Creditreform. In 2022, German B2B ecommerce will grow even faster by 33.5% and reach over 400 billion Euro…

TradeCentric posts record volume

Akeneo

TradeCentric, the leading provider of B2B integration and automation between eCommerce systems and eProcurement applications, reports a 200% increase in transactions processed on the TradeCentric Platform since 2020. TradeCentric’s technology empowers nearly 4,500 businesses globally to seamlessly transact with trading partners. The company’s unique vantage point provides key insights and statistics on the evolving B2B…

The Hidden Levers of Customer Adoption in B2B eCommerce with Carlos Camacho

Akeneo

In the ever-evolving world of B2B eCommerce, one truth is becoming clear: Customer adoption isn’t a feature of your digital strategy, it is your strategy. In a recent episode of the B2B eCommerce Show, Carlos Camacho, Global Commerce Lead at Bausch + Lomb, shared hard-earned lessons from his 18+ years of driving digital transformation. And…

Spryker adds on business intelligence

Akeneo

Spryker Systems GmbH, a platform provider forB2B and B2C enterprise marketplaces, thing commerce and unified commerce, is betting its recent partnership with business intelligence provider minubo will enable its customers to achieve company-wide holistic data transparency. With Minubo’s business intelligence software all data is accessible across departments within a company. As a result, businesses can…

B2B payment fraud keeps sellers diligent

Akeneo

In today’s rapidly changing payments landscape staying on top of the latest digital payment options is necessary for B2B ecommerce sellers if they want to deliver a better customer experience and reach new buyers. So too is staying abreast of fraud trends. While B2B fraud does not receive as much media exposure as consumer-related fraud,…

15 Reasons Why You Need a PIM

Akeneo

Product Information Management (PIM) systems aren’t anything new. In fact, when I was asked to put this piece together, I reviewed my previous blog articles which date back to 2015. The truth is, the fundamentals of why a PIM is important and who needs a PIM hasn’t really changed. As with many digital advances, B2C…

How to choose the right investment banker

Akeneo

Selling a company is a major decision and an unfamiliar process for most business owners. Typically, owners hire an investment banker when they begin contemplating a sale to guide them through the sale process and help keep the transaction workload manageable. What many sellers don’t realize is that the decision of who to hire to…

Vietnam ecommerce is going prime time

Akeneo

Since last year, worldwide inflationary pressures and geopolitical events have fueled an economic slowdown, putting many e-commerce businesses at risk of financial crisis. The fourth quarter of 2022 saw many big enterprises announcing large numbers of layoffs or limiting delivery activities to save costs. But where e-commerce markets in developed economies are struggling, the same…

Research reveals Australian manufacturers will reshore by 2023 says AI experts PROS

Akeneo

A recent survey conducted by PROS reveals Australian manufacturers say reshoring by 2023 is likely and that investment in digital selling is imperative for long-term success, but most businesses are underprepared. The study’s key findings revealed that one in two manufacturers (55%) intend to bring operations back to Australia within the next three years. And…

Companies pay more for ecommerce talent

Akeneo

More than 25% of ecommerce companies want to switch ecommerce platforms despite the costs, according to data in the 2023 Ecommerce Platforms Report, which covers the digital commerce technology trends for B2B and retail companies. This is a new report from Digital Commerce 360. Digital technology companies from Amazon.com Inc. and Salesforce Inc. to SAP…

VTEX hits a platform growth spurt

Akeneo

Several B2B sellers using VTEX’s B2B ecommerce platform are showing strong growth, as well as operational improvement in their business, the enterprise digital commerce platform provider reports. Mazda Motor Europe, the regional headquarters of Mazda Motor Corp. for the European region, for example, has seen its conversion rate from reservation to sales grew to more…

Digital transformation is slow coming

Akeneo

Despite the rapid pace of new ecommerce technology such as headless commerce and mounting pressure from digital-first customers, progress is mixed at best for many companies, according to a new survey of 600 manufacturing executives from Epicor Software Corp. For example, only about 44% of manufacturers are looking to spend more on new digital technologies…

Manufacturers enhance their user experience

Akeneo

While 31% of respondents believe they are ahead of their competitors when it comes to digital maturity, and 2% far ahead, 24% said they were in danger of falling behind. In addition, 44% of respondents believe their digital maturity level is on par with their competitors, says a new report from Copperberg, ecommerce solutions provider…

Metcash & SAP: Revolutionising retail with Sorted marketplace

Akeneo

Metcash, Australia’s leading wholesale distribution and marketing company, stands committed to strengthening independent Retailers in the food, liquor, and hardware sectors, with the goal of making every local store “the best in town.” With the broadest retail distribution network across the nation, their partnership with SAP is paving the way for transformation, innovation, and empowerment….

BigCommerce introduces advanced features for B2B selling

Akeneo

BigCommerce, an ecommerce platform for B2C and B2B brands, has launched its latest release of B2B Edition, a suite of functionalities that enhances the online selling experience for suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers. The latest release includes Multi-Storefront (MSF) compatibility, a modernized B2B buyer portal, and headless support that combines next-level B2B features into one…

Beyond Best Practices: The New Playbook for B2B Product Detail Page Optimization

Akeneo

For the last decade, “best practices” have ruled the B2B product content world like gospel. But if you’ve been operating under the assumption that mimicking Amazon or following blog-fed standards will give you a competitive edge, it’s time to recalibrate. That was the message from a game-changing conversation between Justin King and George Koenig—two veterans…

An HVAC distributor goes all in for digital

Akeneo

For the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, Miami-based Watsco Inc. reported a 5% increase in total sales to a record $1.58 billion. Net income was $157.1 million, up from $96.6 million a year earlier. For the 12 months ended Dec. 31, Watsco reported sales of $7.274 billion, up 16% year over year from $6.280 billion….

Businesses ramp up their purchasing via e-procurement

Akeneo

E-procurement is gaining acceptance by businesses buyers, but challenges remain for even wider adoption, according to the Amazon Business 2022 State of Business Procurement. “Today, procurement teams must act as digital transformation evangelists, budget guardians, and work-from-anywhere enablers, while also pushing forward corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals,” the report says. “That’s a tall order for…

Trinity Packaging wants to be a digital disruption

Akeneo

With the introduction of its latest ecommerce platform, Trinity Packaging Supply, a 13-year-old company with annual revenue of $100 million, aims to be a major market disruptor in its industry. The company, based in Voorhees, NJ, was rolled out a new ecommerce site and digital technology called SupplyStream, which Trinity Packaging Supply says aggregates hundreds…

Amazon dials back some B2B distribution in India

Akeneo

Amazon’s wholesale marketplace by all accounts is flourishing worldwide except for one key fast-growing market: India. Published reports and a short statement from Amazon confirm the world’s biggest online retailer is closing its distribution center for wholesale grocers selling to small- and medium-sized retailers in some parts of India. Amazon is halting Amazon Distribution, its…

Supply chain execs want digital bang for the buck

Akeneo

Even as more organizations spend more time and money on cloud applications, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT) and other digital technology for their supply chain, the return on investment still isn’t clear for many organizations, says a new survey of 300 supply chain executives from accounting and consulting firm PwC. The adoption and…

B2B ecommerce sales are up, but little else

Akeneo

The U.S manufacturing and distribution sector is in a slump, as of mid-2023. Productivity is down, and so are sales and business buyer confidence. For example, manufacturers expect sales to rise just 1.6% over the next 12 months. That’s down from 2.7% in the first quarter and the slowest pace since Q2 2020, The National…

Why B2B ecommerce is changing fast

Akeneo

While B2B sales have been steadily shifting to digital channels, the past few years have seen an acceleration of that trend due largely to the Covid-19 pandemic, which prompted many B2B buyers to purchase digitally. As a result, 2023 is being viewed as a pivotal year for B2B ecommerce, according to Intershop Communications AG’s Digital…

Personalization in B2B ecommerce

Akeneo

This guide discusses the benefits of implementing artificial intelligence (AI) and personalization in B2B eCommerce. It emphasizes the importance of providing a personalized shopping experience for customers and how AI can help achieve this by analyzing customer data and behavior. It also highlights the potential for AI to improve various aspects of B2B eCommerce, including…

Essential Guide to Product Data Management in B2B eCommerce

Akeneo

Use this guide to understand product data management better Use this guide to understand product data management better, identify opportunities to improve product data management, create a product data management strategy, and examine the results of real companies effectively using product data management.

The world’s biggest MRO distributor posts healthy Q3 digital sales

Akeneo

The biggest public distributor of maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) supplies reported decidedly bigger third quarter digital commerce sales, especially in the U.S. market. Zoro is the U.S.-based unit of W. W. Grainger’s online-only Endless Assortment segment, which compared to the flagship ecommerce site Grainger.com caters to “smaller customers with less complex operations” and also includes Japan-based MonotaRo.com….

Welcome SparkLayer to the B2B eCommerce Association

Akeneo

We are thrilled to announce that SparkLayer has joined the B2B eCommerce Association. As a leading provider of B2B solutions for Shopify & BigCommerce, SparkLayer is set to bring a wealth of knowledge and innovation to our community, enhancing the collective expertise of our members. SparkLayer: Powering B2B on Shopify & BigCommerce SparkLayer is trusted…

The No.1 killer to B2B ecommerce projects

Akeneo

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, eCommerce has become a vital channel for businesses to serve their customers more efficiently. Yet, despite the undeniable benefits of eCommerce, many organizations struggle to get their sales teams fully on board. A key reason? The misalignment between sales incentives and ecommerce goals. The inconsistent message Imagine this scenario:…

A five step process for transformation

Akeneo

If you are like an increasing number of B2B brands, it has become painfully clear that business as usual is no longer possible. You have even started on initiatives to transform your business but have not found your groove. Your marketplace and your workplace have been up ended since COVID-19. The reality is that it…

Allianz Trade Joins B2B eCommerce Association to Help Power Global Confidence in Digital Trade

Akeneo

Editorial by Brett Sinclair, Founder and Director, B2B eCommerce Association In the B2B world, trust is currency, and confidence is what turns strategy into scale. That’s why I’m incredibly proud to announce that Allianz Trade has officially joined the B2B eCommerce Association as a member. This marks a significant moment for our global community as…

7 tips for B2B eCommerce & digital transformation success

Akeneo

Implementing a digital transformation program centred around a digital commerce capability is on the wish list or roadmap for many B2B companies, particularly manufacturers and wholesale distributors. Whether it’s part of an upcoming project plan or on a goal list for the future, the project can be daunting. Larger, well-established companies in particular may find…

BigCommerce and Balance strike up a B2B relationship

Akeneo

To help B2B sellers enhance the checkout and payment experience on their websites, BigCommerce Pty. Ltd. has named B2B payments platform to provide Balance a certified technology partner. BigCommerce’s more than 60,000 customers can now integrate Balance through the BigCommerce App Marketplace. Balance’s platform provides access to payment processing, invoicing, financing, and a seamless checkout…

The definitive guide to digital buyer convenience in B2B

Akeneo

Unlock the future of B2B e-commerce with exclusive insights Achieving digital maturity can redefine the buying journey, ensuring customer loyalty, continuous engagement and drive business growth. This report is a toolkit for B2B companies aiming to lead in the dynamic field of B2B e-commerce.

Many manufacturers aren’t ready to digitize

Akeneo

More manufacturers are talking the serious talk about digital transformation but walking the walk toward full implementation remains to be seen. Digital transformation in manufacturing has evolved at a fast pace in recent years. The challenging market situation has increased the need for resilience and flexibility. This has led many companies to accelerate their transformation…

9 key drivers for success in B2B digital commerce

Akeneo

This guide from Intershop highlights key drivers for success in B2B digital commerce, including the importance of creating a customer-centric strategy, providing a personalized and seamless experience across channels, leveraging data and analytics to inform decision-making, and investing in technology and partnerships to drive innovation and efficiency. The article argues that companies that prioritize these…

Braskem’s Edge: Driving Growth and Efficiency in B2B eCommerce

Akeneo

Braskem, one of the largest petrochemical companies in the world, has successfully transformed its B2B operations through the implementation of its B2B eCommerce platform, Edge. This platform built on OroCommerce has become an integral part of Braskem’s digital strategy, serving more than 800 companies across the Americas and Europe while dramatically improving internal efficiencies and…

Small firms have big plans for ecommerce platforms

Akeneo

Small companies see ecommerce technology and platforms as a chief means to drive future growth – and chart a firmer path through uncertain economic times. Around 41% of US small businesses with websites are increasing or significantly increasing their 2023 budget for e-commerce platforms, while only 26 % are decreasing their budgets in the face…

FedEx doubles down on South America

Akeneo

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. has expanded in Pudahuel, Chile, with its largest ecommerce-focused distribution center in South America. The company went from having 7,600 to 14,000 square meters for the distribution of small packages for residential customers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for their national and international ecommerce shipments. In addition,…

Guide to B2B ecommerce for franchisors

Akeneo

Digital commerce is changing not only how businesses are transacting but also the very nature of their relationships. This includes all business partnerships, including relationships between franchisors, franchisees, and franchisees and their customers. In collaboration with EMAKINA, this guide will explain how changing demographics and accelerated digitization is transforming the franchising bus.

India’s marketplace market hits a fast track

Akeneo

India’s growing B2B marketplace sector is expected to hit a major milestone, says a new report from an investment banking firm. By 2027, the gross merchandise volume generated on Indian B2b marketplaces and ecommerce sites is projected to reach $125 billion from $20 billion in 2022, says a new B2B Marketplaces report from Avendus Capital. “Indian B2B…

B2B marketplace operator Xometry eyes a global expansion opportunity

Akeneo

A U.S. B2B marketplace for on-demand industrial parts has big ambitions to grow globally Revenue in the third quarter for Xometry Inc., a marketplace for on-demand industrial parts posted a health gain in revenue and active users. But the company’s net loss also was slightly bigger. For the third quarter ended Sept. 30, Xometry reported…

What Does Your Faceted Search Say About You?

Akeneo

If a customer landed on your site today, what would your search experience tell them? That you’re an expert? Or that you’re winging it? Faceted search has become essential to the B2B buyer’s digital experience. And while many sites technically offer it, the strategy behind it is often an afterthought, if it exists at all….

Launch ecommerce and not break the bank

Akeneo

Companies are scrambling to move online and initiate or improve their digital commerce capabilities. But they are also cautious about investing resources in the current economic environment. The key to an ecommerce site that costs less is limiting your scope. While this may seem obvious, in my experience, we need to remind ourselves of it regularly….

Replatforming legacy e-commerce systems: A technical view

Akeneo

If you believe that replatforming projects are inevitably disruptive, impact all areas of the legacy solution, drive up hidden costs and cause unpredictable delays, this free whitepaper from Intershop will present you with three proven strategies to ease your mind.

More CPG manufacturers must get their B2B ecommerce and supply chain house in order

Akeneo

Online shoppers want more—and not less—ecommerce tools and delivery options from consumer brand manufacturers. But that is not likely to happen until more CPG product makers get their B2B ecommerce and digital fulfillment and supply chain house in order. A new study by the CMO Council and Business Performance Innovation (BPI) Network finds retailers and…

Despite headwinds, B2B grows in the U.S.

Akeneo

Despite major headwinds, manufacturers and distributors turned in a solid performance in 2022. B2B manufacturers and distributors collectively grew their combined sales to $14.89 billion. That’s up 15.4% from $12.98 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce and a Digital Commerce 360 projection for December total sales. “Sourcing bottlenecks and global logistics logjams are…

B2B disruption in 2020 & how to stay ahead

Akeneo

While digitalisation has been on the ‘wish-list’ of many businesses over the last few years, 2020 catapulted it into near-necessity of more businesses while others still struggled to make a case for it across their organisation. In many ways 2020 and the pandemic turned businesses upside down, challenging companies to stay afloat as hyper-accelerated digital…

Why your time for a B2B marketplace is now

Akeneo

B2B commerce is changing constantly, and the need to capture prospects and existing customers’ attention on another level is drastically increasing. Manufacturers and distributors must leverage technology within their commerce strategy to deliver a competitive advantage and benefit the overall business in the long run. Utilizing marketplaces as part of a B2B commerce strategy can…

Headless commerce: the basics

Akeneo

Thinking about going headless with your B2B eCommerce Platform? Here’s what you need to know In its most basic sense, the term ‘headless’ means that the frontend or user interface is separated from the backend (i.e. the head isn’t there). This also means that your backend system won’t assume anything regarding the customer experience that…

VTEX Leaving MACH Alliance / Religion? B2B at ShopTalk, the B2B Bubble, with The Crew

Akeneo

In the debut episode of The B2B eCommerce Show, a powerhouse panel of experts dives into the evolving landscape of digital commerce for manufacturers and distributors. From AI-powered sales to the messy middle of marketplace definitions, here are the biggest takeaways from this energetic, insight-packed discussion. AI Adoption Isn’t Coming, It’s Here Jason Greenwood points…

IT leaders must balance ecommerce and ERP

Akeneo

B2B ecommerce may be table stakes now for manufacturers, but for the IT leaders responsible for overseeing the integration between a company’s existing information technology infrastructure, ecommerce can be a significant pain point that keeps them up at night. Creating a well thought out integration plan between the enterprise resource planning and ecommerce systems can…

Nestlé projects 25% of sales will soon be digital

Akeneo

Nestlé S.A., the world’s biggest public food and drink processing company headquartered in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland, sees more ecommerce in all forms too sweet a deal to pass up. Nestlé, which counts North America as its biggest market and is the maker of baby food, medical food, bottled water, breakfast cereals, coffee and tea, confectionery,…

Boosting the value of your B2B eCommerce platform

Akeneo

“Customers don’t like to order online”, “my customers are old fashioned”, “they prefer a sales rep”, or the classic “I can’t trust my clients to order enough – I know a rep will sell them more”. Sound familiar? Now with Covid-19, old sales strategies are changing, says Naomi Farberman, Regional Sales and Partner Manager –…

Kraft Heinz and AB InBev do an online deal

Akeneo

Buyers for retailers in Latin America will have online access to Kraft Mac & Cheese, Heinz Tomato Ketchup and other Kraft Heinz brands through the international and fast-growing BEES B2B online marketplace from AB InBev BEES will be a game-changer in Kraft Heinz’s efforts to expand globally. R. The Kraft Heinz Co. will start out…

MRC expands B2B ecommerce

Akeneo

After a century in business, a piping distributor has reached a new digital milestone. MRC Global Inc. distributes pipes, valves and fittings (PVF) and other products and services to the energy industry. For the third quarter ended Sept. 30, B2B ecommerce sales for MRC Global Inc. now account for 49.6% of all sales. That’s a…

Visual commerce: Enhancing the online buying experience

Akeneo

In the world of B2B digital commerce, visual commerce technology is gaining traction, thanks to its success in the gaming industry. This technology involves the use of 360-degree image views, interactive 3D models, and augmented reality to provide buyers with a more immersive and engaging online buying experience. Visual commerce has become more mainstream in…

Live streaming builds effective B2B content

Akeneo

Running online operations as a small and medium enterprise (SME) comes with its own set of challenges. While obstacles may vary based on factors such as market dynamics, regulatory environments, and infrastructure, there are some common and specific problems that SMEs face when operating an online business in the United States. The landscape in the…

A parts marketplace revs up funding

Akeneo

A privately held B2B marketplace targets automotive repair shops, parts distributors and manufacturers that try to run their businesses more effectively and profitably through ecommerce has $35 billion. The influx of working and business development cash from OpenView and PartsTech’s existing investors, including Insight Partners and BP Ventures, will be used for new product and…

Use these top tactics for better e-procurement

Akeneo

Procurement leaders who had hoped that macroeconomic conditions in 2023 would make their jobs easier than last year are already disappointed. As the new year began, the volatility and inflation of the previous year showed no signs of abating (see sidebar, “Macroeconomic conditions straining procurement”). Some of the most important trends may persist well beyond…

Ballard industrial’s digital leap: Elevating B2B ecommerce experience

Akeneo

Ballard Industrial’s shift from a traditional industrial supplier to a digitally advanced e-commerce entity marks a significant evolution in the B2B landscape. Established in Seattle in 1952, Ballard has been a trusted name in supplying quality industrial products. However, the shift towards a digital-first approach brought both challenges and opportunities. Overcoming digital challenges Initially, Ballard’s…

Avoid roadblocks during investor transactions

Akeneo

Once you’ve decided to sell your business or take on an investor, you may find yourself in unfamiliar territory. The transaction process can be complex, and with so many moving parts, there are often delays and times when it feels as if the transaction may not reach the finish line. Below is a list to…

China MRO market grows its digital future

Akeneo

Digitalization has become an irreversible trend in every industry in this new era, making people’s working and leisure lives smarter and more convenient. Most people have been familiar with e-commerce giants like Amazon, Alibaba and other consumer goods platform, but few may know about MRO e-commerce platforms, which belongs to the industrial internet. This in-depth…

AMEX rolls out digital payment tools

Akeneo

American Express Co. continues to roll out new products to help suppliers digitize their B2B payments. The latest product is Business Link, a B2B payments solution that enables suppliers of all sizes to accept card and non-card payments, such as transactions initiated through the automated clearinghouse, wire transfers and check, through a single application. In…

eBay hits the skids in Q4 and 2022

Akeneo

eBay Inc. said its gross merchandise volume, which is the value of all goods sold on the site, fell 12% to $18.2 billion in the most recent quarter, the seventh consecutive period in which the number dropped. The number of active buyers on the marketplace also fell – dropping 9% to 134 million during the period…

The Middle School Dance of B2B eCommerce Conferences: Why Connection Still Feels So Hard

Akeneo

I just got back from the 2025 B2B Online event and even after more than a decade of attending, one thing hasn’t changed. There’s still that unmistakable dynamic on the show floor: Vendors on one side. Practitioners on the other. Glances exchanged. Curiosity visible. And yet… almost no one crosses the room. If you’ve ever…

Younger digital B2B buyers not as quick to purchase according to Forrester

Akeneo

Younger B2B purchasers tend to face more obstacles in finalising a purchase due to their limited experience in business decision-making when compared to their older counterparts. According to the 2023 State of Business Buying report by Forrester, there has been a noticeable increase in price sensitivity among B2B buyers. Key contributors to this shift include…

B2B eCommerce Association launches in Latin America

Akeneo

The B2B eCommerce Association, has officially launched its Latin American chapter with a successful networking breakfast in São Paulo, Brazil. This event, hosted at the SAP office, marked a significant milestone for the B2B community in the region, providing a platform for industry leaders and professionals to connect and explore the latest trends and strategies…

L’Oréal partners with Mirakl for B2B marketplace model

Akeneo

Last week (June 2, 2021) L’Oréal USA’s B2B retailer SalonCentric announced a new marketplace on its website to be launched in September. The e-commerce feature is expected to triple the site’s product selection offered to salons and stylists. SalonCentric partnered with marketplace SaaS platform Mirakl, which have been developing marketplaces almost non stop for companies…

Behind the Scenes in the B2BEA US HQ!

Akeneo

Snow may have blanketed Greenville, South Carolina, but inside the B2BEA U.S. headquarters, things are heating up, especially in the studio. In a quiet moment over the weekend, Justin King, founder of the B2B eCommerce Association, took time to reflect on the community’s growth, a new mini course release, and the evolving creative space that…

Huisman: Driving digital transformation in heavy construction equipment

Akeneo

Huisman, a global leader in designing, manufacturing, and servicing heavy construction equipment, has made a significant leap in digitalizing an industry traditionally slow to adopt online solutions. Renowned for their products like cranes, pipelay and drilling equipment, winches, and specialized vessel designs, Huisman has been a key player in sectors ranging from renewable energy to…

Ecommerce platform spend tops $3 billion

Akeneo

The digital commerce platform market is poised to grow with a CAGR of 12.6% at a global level and is estimated to surge from a valuation of $ 3.41 billion in 2022 to $ 7.85 billion by 2029, says a new report from Future Market Insights. In 2021, digital commerce platforms accounted for a 35%…

A major platform player changes the game

Akeneo

BigCommerce is a public company that had 5,560 enterprise customers as of Sept. 30. But now, to control costs and focus on enterprise businesses, the ecommerce platform company is laying off employees and contractors and phasing out of the low end of the B2C and B2B ecommerce markets. As part of a restructuring plan, BigCommerce…

Why investing in B2B Connected Commerce can’t wait

Akeneo

Despite predictions of the U.S. “soft-landing” instead of entering a recession in 2024, businesses understandably remain cautious with their budgets. Given current macroeconomic headwinds, companies must prioritize essential investments that drive meaningful ROI over “nice to haves” that provide marginal improvements. As businesses tighten budgets, careful consideration goes into investing in new digital capabilities. Often,…

BigCommerce inks a partnership with Mira

Akeneo

Digital commerce agency Mira Commerce Inc. has partnered with ecommerce platform provider BigCommerce Pty. Ltd. to provide modern composable e-commerce solutions to enterprise-level merchants, brands, and distributors. Composable commerce is a software development technique that entails selecting best-of-breed commerce components and combining or composing them into a custom application for specific business needs. As a…

A platform vendor scores $13 million

Akeneo

Oro Inc., a provider of open-source B2B ecommerce applications has received $13 million in new funding from private equity firm Zubr Capital and Highland Europe, a growth-stage technology firm. Geneva, Switzerland-based Highland Europe has been an investor in Oro since 2016. The new round of funding comes as Oro celebrates its 10th anniversary. Oro plans…

Getting rid of B2B ecommerce maintenance… forever: The complete guide

Akeneo

Sana Commerce presents a comprehensive resource for B2B ecommerce businesses that emphasizes the importance of streamlining internal IT processes so you can use your time more efficiently. The guide covers key aspects of ecommerce maintenance, including website updates, data management, performance optimization, testing and quality assurance, SEO, and staying informed about industry trends. It provides…

Adobe names an Australia leader

Akeneo

Adobe has a new leader heading up its Australia and New Zealand operations. Recently, Adobe named Katrina Troughton as vice president and managing director of Adobe Australia and New Zealand. She will oversee businesses including Adobe Experience, Creative and Document clouds. Troughton will report to Adobe president for Asia Pacific Simon Tate. “Katrina is an…

A Yokohama unit updates B2B ecommerce

Akeneo

A U.S. subsidiary of Yokoyama Rubber is overhauling its b2b ecommerce platform. Yokohama Off-Highway Tires America Inc., which produces, all-terrain tires for OTR machinery of agriculture, forestry, construction, mining, and related industries, has launched an updated B2B ecommerce features that include real-time product availability by warehouse, searchable catalog by product name, SKU number or size, quick-order features…

AI Will Replace Your Job? Not So Fast Says Nick Pericle

Akeneo

Why the future of B2B starts with individual transformation, not enterprise rollout. The AI wave isn’t coming. It’s already here. And if your only plan is to wait for a “corporate strategy,” you’re already behind. That’s the message from Nick Pericle, AI strategist and technology leader, who joined the B2B eCommerce Show to share a…

SANA: The Manufacturing & E-Commerce Benchmark Report

Akeneo

eCommerce experts, Sana Commerce have recently launched their The Manufacturing & E-Commerce Benchmark Report for 2021, delivering insights into trends on digitalisation, specifically in the manufacturing sector. Sana commissioned independent research firm, Sapio Research, to survey more than 800 manufacturers undergoing digital transformation across a variety of industries in the United States. The report reveals…

Manufacturers put ecommerce center stage

Akeneo

Even though most industrial companies are still in the early days of their digital marketing and sales (M&S) efforts, the potential benefits are clear. Analytics-driven digital marketing can help identify new customer opportunities and improve target and product recommendations. Digital tools may provide insights about the market and customer base that allow companies to optimize…

B2B must break through digital roadblocks

Akeneo

Even though 53% of B2B buyers responding to a recent Forrester survey have used a digital channel to complete a purchase, many respondents said they were dissatisfied with the ease of doing business when purchasing digitally. But while many B2B sellers recognize the need to address buyer dissatisfaction, Forrester finds that addressing that problem is…

Accenture puts Adobe Commerce to the test

Akeneo

Consumers’ rising use of ecommerce – including social commerce – the past two has triggered increased adoption of ecommerce solutions by businesses selling direct to consumers, as well as other businesses. Going forward, digital commerce will remain a key source of business – and a way of life for buyers – with the ecommerce market…

United Pacific Industries: B2B ecommerce success story

Akeneo

United Pacific Industries, a leader in the automotive aftermarket and OEM parts industry, has set a leading example of how digital transformation can drive operational efficiency and business growth. For over 40 years, United Pacific has been known for supplying high-quality products to commercial truck enterprises and international markets, but as the company grew, so…

B2B eCommerce Trends & Predictions for Future

Akeneo

We’re excited to share this exclusive report on the state of B2B eCommerce and predictions for the future written by PeakSpan, a growth equity firm based in New York City and Silicon Valley. For years, eCommerce has revolved around and catered to the business-to-consumer sale (and more recently “D2C”). The rise in online commerce has…

Getting smart on B2B AI deployment

Akeneo

Let me start by first giving you a preview of the advancements in AI/ML technologies and then discuss how product discovery on your site can be easy and effortless for your customers with next-generation self-service and a powerful agent-assistant tool for your support staff. The result will be increased sales and strong, loyal relationship with…

A global group goes digital

Akeneo

Nexus Automotive International has announced the launch of a new business unit dedicated to e-commerce. The new business unit will be headed by long-time ecommerce and auto aftermarket executive Robbie Stevens. With the creation of a dedicated ecommerce business unit Nexus Automotive, also known as N!, is answering the needs of members that have been…

Znode rolls out B Store to empower B2B2X eCommerce

Akeneo

Znode, the ecommerce platform under the umbrella of Amla Commerce Inc., based in Milwaukee, has just launched a groundbreaking software module designed to provide manufacturers and their channel partners with enhanced control over their sales operations. This innovative module, dubbed “B Store,” represents a major leap forward in headless commerce offerings. It’s tailored for primary…

A big distributor posts mixed results

Akeneo

It was a mixed year for Global Industrial Co., a big public distributor of maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) and industrial supplies. For the year and quarter ended Dec. 31, Global Industrial grew sales year over year by 9.7% to $1.166 billion from $1.063 billion. Net income was $78.8 million compared with $103.1 million for 2021. Global…

Guide to B2B ecommerce: From planning to going live

Akeneo

At the foundation of every successful ecommerce business is a foolproof strategy. Before you think about embarking onto an ecommerce project, ensure you establish a clear strategy to guide your project. You can do so easily by taking into account these four key pillars by Sana Commerce.

Elevate your payments strategy at CROSSROADS – A Must-Attend Event for B2B Leaders

Akeneo

The B2B eCommerce Association is excited to be supporting an upcoming event that promises to be a game-changer for professionals involved in digital transformation, finance, payments, sales, and operations: TreviPay Crossroads. This two-day payments conference, taking place from October 2nd to 3rd, 2024, in Kansas, is set to elevate the strategic value of B2B payments…

Shopify reports decent Q4 sales

Akeneo

Shopify Inc. reported $1.73 billion in revenue for its fiscal fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2022. That’s a 26% jump from a year earlier, a sign the ecommerce platform provider is succeeding in its turnaround efforts. Gross merchandise volume, the value of merchant sales flowing through Shopify’s platform, rose 13% from a year earlier to…

How to Build a World-Class Product Content Team: Insights from Anthony Testa

Akeneo

In B2B commerce, content isn’t just about marketing, it’s infrastructure. Without clean, structured, and consistent data, your systems don’t talk to each other, your buyers get frustrated, and your growth stalls. In this episode of The B2B eCommerce Show, Justin King sat down with Anthony Testa, former product content leader at MSC and current B2B…

TradeCentric becomes partner of B2B eCommerce Association, advancing eProcurement and PunchOut expertise

Akeneo

The B2B eCommerce Association is thrilled to announce that TradeCentric, a recognized leader in B2B automation and digital transaction processes, has joined as an official partner. This partnership solidifies TradeCentric’s commitment to fostering the growth of B2B commerce and eProcurement. Founded in 2012 and formerly known as PunchOut2Go, TradeCentric stands at the forefront of B2B…

Distributors grow 25% online in 2022

Akeneo

All in, manufacturers grew B2B digital commerce about 15% to $623.3 billion in 2022 from $543.3 billion in 2021. Distributors, meanwhile, grew year over year much faster, with ecommerce sales growing 25% in 2022 to $1.4 trillion from $1.1 trillion in 2021. Distribution companies move faster on digital commerce and transformation than manufacturers because distributors’…

Examples of DTC eCommerce sites

Akeneo

As a B2B business, you may be considering a leap into selling direct to consumer (DTC). If you’re looking for examples of great (DTC) eCommerce sites, take a look at how some of these leading businesses are driving this business model. We’ve rounded up some impressive examples of DTC eCommerce sites, let’s take a look….

Mckinsey separates B2B fact vs. fiction

Akeneo

The conventional wisdom around B2B ecommerce is due for a reset, according to the consulting company. Here are five myths around B2B ecommerce that need to be debunked, according to McKinsey. Myth 1: Most B2B companies don’t offer ecommerce Nearly two-thirds (65%) of B2B companies across industry sectors now offer ecommerce capabilities, defined as fully…

Marketplaces drive India B2B ecommerce

Akeneo

India’s ecommerce market is growing fast, but business-to-business digital commerce is growing faster. By 2027, the B2B ecommerce market is predicted to top $350 billion annually. That number is among the metrics in “The Rise of Digital Bazaars in India,” a report written by Bain & Co. and Accel. Of that total, the B2B marketplace…

The essential B2B ecommerce adoption guide: How to keep customers coming back

Akeneo

Sana Commerce provides a comprehensive overview of the critical factors in successfully adopting B2B ecommerce strategies. It covers critical steps such as defining business objectives, selecting the right e-commerce platform, leveraging data, managing change, and optimizing performance. The guide also emphasizes the growing importance of B2B ecommerce in meeting changing customer expectations and staying competitive…

Keysight technologies launches B2B eCommerce site

Akeneo

USA- based Keysignt Technologies has hit the accelerator on its digital strategy to support its customers. The technology company that delivers advanced design and validation solutions announced its expanded B2B eCommerce Platform in the Americas to include customers in 26 EU countries and the UK to simplify the customer buying process. According to McKinsey and…

Investors place their bet on B2B marketplaces

Akeneo

Big money continues to flow heavily into B2B marketplaces, says a new Dealroom.co study of venture capital data. But more money still is targeted for B2C In 2022, only 19% of all the funds investors sank into global marketplace deals went to B2B markets. That compares with 14% in 2021, 8.6% in 2020, and 13%…

U.S B2B sales slow but not online

Akeneo

The sales world of U.S. manufacturing and distribution is slowing mid-year as a softening economy, still-high inflation and other problems continue to slow productivity. Through June, the total combined sales of U.S. manufacturers, wholesalers and distribution companies equaled $7.246 trillion, declined by 1% from sales of $7.298 trillion from January through June 2022, based on…

How Gallagher increased the efficiency of its ecommerce business

Akeneo

For more than decade Gallagher Group Ltd., a provider of animal management and security products and solutions, had been looking to upgrade its commerce system and develop a customer portal that could be integrated with important backend processes, such as ordering and finance, to provide a better customer experience. Trouble was the company was being…

Newegg eyes more marketplace business

Akeneo

Newegg Marketplace, a division of Newegg Commerce Inc. has a promotion for new marketplace sellers that join the platform to receive six months of free Elite Seller Membership at its Professional Tier, which provides benefits to help sellers achieve revenue goals quicker. The promotional offer includes more benefits than ever offered to new U.S. Newegg…

Vietnam is the next hot B2B ecommerce market

Akeneo

Vietnam embraced e-commerce really late compared to other Asian countries like Singapore and Malaysia. However, the country is now the fastest-growing e-commerce market in Southeast Asia, including the B2B e-commerce and omnichannel sector. In 2020, the country achieved a growth rate of 18% with a scale of $11.8 billion and is expected to reach $23.71…

A crystal ball look at what lies ahead for B2B commerce

Akeneo

Editors note: This is a recent blog post reprinted here with the blessing of ecommerce services and consulting firm Avensia, More and more B2B buyers are turning to digital channels to support their purchasing. Research by McKinsey found that globally all B2B customers prefer omnichannel capabilities, regardless of industry, country, size, or customer relationship stage….

Old industries embrace new forms of ecommerce

Akeneo

B2B ecommerce continues to make significant inroads into some of the oldest segments of the industrial US, says a new research report from Billtrust, a provider of cloud-based software and integrated payment processing applications. Billtrust recently surveyed just over 500 sellers in six established industries including electrical, general contracting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), janitorial/sanitation…

QTC tools fall short for digital users

Akeneo

While the quote-to-cash process, which includes product configuration and pricing, quoting, customer acceptance, order fulfillment, and managing revenue, is an essential part of B2B sales, systems integrators are discovering three hard realities: First, the quote-to-cash process is falling short of meeting B2B buyer’s expectations. Second, businesses are having more trouble with the configuration of their…

Enhancing B2B online search through AI-driven innovation

Akeneo

In the dynamic realm of B2B online purchasing, the evolution of search systems is crucial to meet the growing complexity of customer needs. Machine learning and AI are revolutionizing search outcomes, aiming to enrich B2B interactions. Distributors and manufacturers are now enhancing their data, user experience (UX), and search capabilities, responding to the transition of…

A Chinese manufacturer eyes a marketplace

Akeneo

A Chinese medical products manufacturer with operations in the United States is making an acquisition to try a hand at growing a niche B2B marketplace business. AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co. makes early cancer screening and detection tools. It plans to operate a business-to-business ecommerce food platform focused on the sale of Asian-sourced food products. To accomplish…

An HVAC distributor is all in for digital

Akeneo

A large distributor of heating, air conditioning and ventilation products is putting B2B ecommerce in the fast lane. For the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, Miami-based Watsco Inc. reported a 5% increase in total sales to a record $1.58 billion. Net income was $157.1 million, up from $96.6 million a year earlier. For the 12…

Manufacturers rethink the digital experience

Akeneo

Not all manufacturers are as far along on creating the digital user experience their customers want, says a new research report from IDC. IDC recently surveyed 1,514 manufacturing companies, nearly half of which were in the U.S. The research found that manufacturers have multiple reasons for improving the online user experience including: Improve customer satisfaction:…

Buyers make purchasing an online team sport

Akeneo

B2B buyers are often a purchasing team and not just a single individual. And they begin the digital purchasing process on multiple sales channels. The latest data comes from a new survey of 750 executives from business research and consulting firm McKinsey & Co. The survey finds B2B customers now regularly use ten or more channels to interact with…

Investors get picky on ecommerce investing

Akeneo

Venture capital money is flowing into ecommerce businesses more slowly these days, says new research from Pitchbook.com. But the areas that are getting more funding are new applications and services aimed at generating more revenue in a tougher economy. For example, total venture capital spending on the ecommerce sector totaled about $3.4 billion in the…

Millennials are the future of all ecommerce

Akeneo

Younger buyers are now in charge of driving the growth of ecommerce in all forms. And that includes B2B, B2C and B2B2C. Millennial consumers prefer online versus in-store shopping, according to new data released today by ESW, the world’s leading global direct-to-consumer (DTC) ecommerce company. In its most recent Global Voices Survey, more than 27%…

PartsBase launches a B2B marketplace

Akeneo

PartsBase, a major B2B online parts locator service for the aviation, aerospace, and defense industries, today announced PartsStore, a B2B marketplace using technology from Oro Inc.. PartsBase is utilized by more than 5,000 users every day, ranging from boutique aerospace start-ups to leading global operators and manufacturers. On a monthly basis, between 25,000 and 30,000…

U.S distributors on track to generate $1.4 trillion in ecommerce sales in 2022

Akeneo

In 2022, ecommerce continued to grow for business-to-business distributors and wholesalers. All in, there are about 630,00 distribution companies operating in the U.S., according to the Department of Commerce and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Collectively, those companies are on track to grow their combined sales to $8.000 trillion in 2022, based on a projection from…

The NEW Brain GPT! and a few other thoughts on AI

Akeneo

For years, we’ve envisioned a smarter, more connected B2B e-commerce space, one where every distributor, manufacturer, agency, and consultant speaks the same language and shares a mutual understanding of the challenges and best practices in the industry. With the launch of our “Brain GPT,” that vision is becoming a reality. Why We Built Brain GPT…

Building a Strong B2B Digital Commerce Foundation

Akeneo

Ready to make the complex game easy? Ready to make the complex game easy?“Building a Strong B2B Digital Commerce Foundation” is your go-to guide for taking your B2B business to the next level. Whether you’re looking to streamline your operations, enhance the customer journey, future-proof your platform, or find solutions to your complex B2B problems,…

The ultimate guide to ecommerce for the electronics industry

Akeneo

The global electronics e-commerce market size is estimated to grow to $417 billion this year, and if predictions are accurate, will continue to do so exponentially in the coming years. In an industry as saturated as this one, it is necessary to stay ahead of the trends to remain competitive. Digitization has helped break down…

TreviPay names a new CMO

Akeneo

TreviPay, a B2B payments provider, has hired Allen Bonde as chief marketing officer. Bonde, who has more than 20 years B2B experience, will be charged with expanding TreviPay’s global footprint with content-driven demand generation strategies intended to drive engagement in target markets, such as technology manufacturing, to better meet the needs of business sellers and…

Enterprise ecommerce platforms: How to choose the right one

Akeneo

Finding the right enterprise B2B ecommerce platform for your business can be a complex and challenging process. With the wide variety of e-commerce solutions available, it can be difficult to decide which one is the best fit for your business. In this guide, Sana Commerce will discuss the key considerations when selecting an enterprise B2B…

Successfully selling ecommerce to sales reps

Akeneo

Any type of change within an organization is likely to see some resistance. It’s not that change is necessarily bad―change represents an unknown variable that can seem very threatening to the uninformed. In the case of ecommerce, the most resistant party will likely be the legacy sales department. On top of the reduction in commission…

6 Features You Should Be Looking for in a PIM Solution

Akeneo

If you’re a B2B manufacturer or wholesale distributor chances are you’re dealing with a large amount of complex and evolving product data. Managing all this information can be difficult and time-consuming and if not handled correctly results in significant cost to your business such as ordering errors, ability to sell across channels and time to…

4 ‘must-have’ capabilities for your 2021 B2B eCommerce roadmap

Akeneo

Digital commerce capabilities are now essential for B2B businesses to survive moving forward and certain capabilities such as enhanced experience and mobile UX, are just a few that impact which B2B companies stand apart and foster customer loyalty. A decade back, functional but static storefronts combined with check out/cart functionality was all you needed to…

Solving the challenges of B2B product content

Akeneo

As B2B buyers take on the habits of B2C shoppers, having high-quality product content is essential for future business success across all channels. This product content includes the images, data, descriptions and rich content that are required to give your customers, and in turn, their buyers the information they need to make a purchase choice. …

A B2B marketplace digitizes payments

Akeneo

B2B marketplaces are responding with better payment features in response to online demands from B2B buyers. Already, one-third of the top marketplaces offer some type of payment option, including financing, according to Applico, a consulting and research firm that tracks B2B marketplaces. An additional 20% of marketplaces plan to introduce digital financing within six months,…

The top B2B eCommerce trends driving higher digital sales

Akeneo

Over the past few years, the B2B space has increasingly relied on ecommerce strategies. The pandemic accelerated this dynamic, underlining the importance of ecommerce experiences while diminishing the importance of face-to-face interactions in B2B sales processes. Paying attention to these trends can help you capitalize on ecommerce growth opportunities, says a recent blog post from…

A roadmap for industrial companies going digital

Akeneo

Editor’s note: This article from McKinsey explains in-depth how and why industry companies can embrace digital commerce and transformation. Creating strong digital B2B channels at industrial companies The digital solutions common at many companies are new to most industrials. How can digitization take root in this complex industry? Industrial companies realize that digitization is more than…

iMedia B2B eCommerce Summit 2023 presentations

Akeneo

Thank you for joining us at the iMedia B2B eCommerce Summit 2023! We’re delighted to offer you access to the wealth of knowledge and insights shared during the conference. Our expert presenters have provided their slide decks and materials for your continued reference and learning. As you browse through, please note that if a particular…

Don’t turn a blind eye to online reviews

Akeneo

Reviews matter. Or do they? It’s common to hear B2B ecommerce sellers say that reviews aren’t as important as they are in the B2C space. I don’t agree. Reviews have certainly proven to be a powerful tool in the B2C space. And research shows that social proof matters. I think it’s a missed opportunity for…

Hokodo B2B eCommerce CFO Survey Report

Akeneo

B2B commerce is digitising at a high speed, with merchants promising the slick e-commerce experiences that millennial buyers have come to expect. But the finance teams of B2B commerce companies are being left to struggle with legacy tech and outdated processes, meaning they can’t innovate or keep pace with digital practices. In collaboration with Hokodo,…

Shopify goes enterprise ecommerce

Akeneo

Looking to give B2B suppliers the flexibility to integrate and innovate without restrictions on their ecommerce platform, Shopify has introduced Commerce Components by Shopify, a composable technology stack that allows users to integrate Shopify components with their existing back office applications. With Commerce Components, users can access to Shopify components, such as checkout, which converts…

The missing piece in B2B eCommerce: Automation

Akeneo

When you’ve been involved in B2B eCommerce as long as we have, you tend to make a few observations along the way. As eCommerce continues its unstoppable growth, we’re noticing something striking happening off to the side. There remains a missing piece within the channels to market that few businesses stop to consider. These days,…

B2B ecommerce takes root in Africa

Akeneo

B2B ecommerce in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is projected to reach $3 billion in 2025, up from $1.2 billion in 2022, according to a report published last December by RedSeer Management Consulting Pvt. Ltd. Helping drive the growth of B2B ecommerce in the region is the expanding number of active internet…

B2B buyers want it all and they want it now

Akeneo

If more B2B sellers don’t up their ecommerce game, they may find find themselves out of the game altogether, says new data and analysis from Forrester Research. “B2B buying is in danger of becoming a numbers game dominated by procurement professionals, vendor selection checklists, and lowest-price mentality,” writes Forrester. “2022 data indicates that on average,…

The ecommerce MVP

Akeneo

Intershop’s MVP approach enables you to quickly implement a fully functional e-commerce platform and further develop and adapt it to customer needs and market requirements during operation. This allows you to expand internationally at any time, remain successful in the long term, and keep the competition at bay.

Chemical makers add in ecommerce ingredients

Akeneo

Even though chemical output in the United States is projected to grow by 4.1% in 2022, the highest growth seen in more than a decade, according to the American Chemistry Council, chemical suppliers can’t afford to rest on their laurels when it comes to the digitalization of their sales channels. Driving the need for digitalization…

Case Study: Boosting Loyalty & Sales During a Pandemic

Akeneo

When one of Australia’s most recognised electronic wholesalers turned their focus to its loyalty program during the COVID pandemic, dotdigital helped them to not only grow their membership base but also boost sales. With over 150 branches, Lawrence & Hanson (L&H) is Australia’s most recognised electrical wholesaler, supplying to customers across multiple market sectors, including residential, commercial, and industrial….

5 Lessons Learned from the B2B eCommerce in France Webinar

Akeneo

B2B eCommerce is evolving rapidly, and regional insights are crucial for businesses looking to stay ahead. In our latest webinar, industry leaders from Sonepar and 3M shared their expertise on the state of B2B eCommerce in France, the challenges businesses face, and strategies for driving digital adoption. Hosted by Jason Greenwood. 1. Digital Adoption in…

A big industrial supplies distributor doubles down on ecommerce

Akeneo

The third quarter was a good one, but not a great one for Global Industrial Inc. The distributor of industrial supplies and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) supplies, which says more than one-half of all sales are done online, generated total sales of $298.5 million for the third quarter ended Sept. 30. That’s an increase…

Why Amazon is big on small business

Akeneo

More than 60% of the businesses that sell on Amazon are small and independent, Amazon says in a new report. Collectively, those businesses in 2022 sold more than 4.1 billion products — or an average of 7,800 products every minute — Amazon says. Sales per small business store on Amazon averaged about $230,000 per store,…

Minolta brings ecommerce into focus

Akeneo

A U.S.-based part of Minolta is bringing B2B ecommerce squarely into focus. The big picture: launching a new ecommerce site to help customers research and make purchases more quickly and easily. The maker of office technology products launched a B2B ecommerce platform designed to offer customers a “frictionless” buying experience while also potentially expanding its…

U.S. digital sales finish strong

Akeneo

2022 was a watershed year for B2B digital commerce and transformation—and 2023 will be as well. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit with full force three years and shuttered all, or at least major portions of many industries and closed offices, branches and factories, work from home business purchasing managers did nearly off their corporate buying…

Why B2B eCommerce Is a Strategic Imperative, Not Just a Sales Tool

Akeneo

Part 1 of the Executive Briefing Series for Manufacturing & Distribution Leaders If you’re a CEO, CFO, or business leader in the industrial sector, you’ve likely heard this before: “You need an eCommerce platform”. And maybe you’ve tried. Maybe you launched a site. Maybe you explored a plugin in your ERP.Or maybe it’s been sitting…

Small business makes ecommerce a priority

Akeneo

Small businesses counted on ecommerce to get them through the pandemic and now that it has growing sales online remains a top priority, says new survey from Alibaba.com. “2022 brought significant challenges for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), brought on by volatile energy prices and soaring inflation,” says Alibaba vice president Andrew Zheng. The…

When ecommerce failure is not an option

Akeneo

Our development team provides ongoing support for manufacturers and distributors ecommerce sites. In many instances, we are implementing new improvements, but we also help companies troubleshoot issues that may arise on their ecommerce sites, so we have seen many different types of problems that come up. Troubleshooting in the B2B space can be more complicated…

Kraft Heinz creates a better online experience

Akeneo

Recognizing that consumers are looking for accurate, reliable, product content whether purchasing online or in-store, the Kraft Heinz Co. is partnering with Salsify Inc., a commerce experience management platform, to update retailer product content in minutes, as opposed to days. The partnership is expected to help Kraft Heinz create better customer experiences for its more…

Navigating new frontiers: REDARC’s journey to digital excellence

Akeneo

In an era where digital transformation is more a necessity than a choice, REDARC stands out as a prime example of how mid-market manufacturers can leverage technology to enhance operations and customer experience. With over 40 years of expertise in providing mobile, off-grid energy and safety management solutions, REDARC has navigated the complexities of the…

More digital change coming for supply chains

Akeneo

2023 will be another year of big technology changes and digital transformation for organizations of all size, says The American Supply Chain Association. The association says B2B companies will be see the continued acceleration of these trends, according to a new whitepaper: Collection of data, advanced analytics and automation are pillars of future supply chains….

U.S. B2B digital sales growth rolls on

Akeneo

B2B manufacturers and distributors want to accelerate digital transformation. That includes ecommerce and B2B marketplace development. In 2022, that activity showed in the growth of digital commerce overall and by specific channels. The 2022 sales that occurred on B2B ecommerce sites and apps grew 19% from 2021, according to data and analysis in the newly…

The ABCs of PIM systems

Akeneo

The journey to achieve digital transformation continues for B2B organizations across the globe, as they work to align to the needs of the digital first customer. While businesses have invested in important areas like digital commerce, many still struggle to deliver experiences that drive engagement across all their customer segments. Despite all the investments B2B…

Why BigCommerce went big on platform update

Akeneo

The old world of ecommerce technology is shifting away from legacy monolithic platforms limited in adaptability and scalability, and designed primarily for transaction processing. Instead, ecommerce platform technology is entering into a new development and implementation area utilizing new applications such as headless commerce, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics. Called by various names such as…

A green seller sees red and retools ecommerce

Akeneo

It’s now or never. Saddled with an aging ecommerce platform that delivered an outdated user experience and was difficult to navigate, EcoEnclose LLC, a provider of sustainable shipping and packaging supplies for ecommerce sellers, realized it needed a new, more customized website to deliver the purchasing experiences its customers sought. The company’s reasoning behind the…

Three Things B2B Businesses Can’t Ignore In 2021

Akeneo

The global pandemic has prompted research companies to predict what businesses around the world should expect, and therefore what to prioritise for 2021. Forrester has recently brought research together calling out three areas online businesses can’t afford to ignore. By way of summary, it comes down to three things… 1. Technology The single biggest prediction…

Write job descriptions that get candidates

Akeneo

Many of us know how stressful it is to find a new job. It is no piece of cake for the person on the other side of the desk, either. Ask a business owner or senior leader in B2B about the least enjoyable part of their job and many will tell you it is recruiting…

The 5 B2B eCommerce mistakes you might be making

Akeneo

You’ve started your B2B eCommerce journey- excellent. Choosing the right software is a key decision, but B2B companies can face a variety of challenges before your eCommerce site goes live. While every project is different, common mistakes, and often expensive ones, resurface time and again. Are you making one of them? 1. You’ve underestimated the…

HVAC companies feel the heat for ecommerce

Akeneo

U.S. B2B ecommerce sales will cross the $1 trillion mark for the first time in 2022 and catapult to $1.8 trillion the following year, according to separate studies from Insider Intelligence and Forrester. These figures represent colossal growth for an industry which prior to the pandemic was not expected to reach even the first milestone…

Why commercetools and Sapient are partners

Akeneo

To help enterprise-sized companies adopt and implement digital innovation, commercetools GmbH, a provider of headless and digital commerce technology, has teamed up with Publicis Sapient, a digital business transformation consultancy. The partnership is expected to increase adoption of commercetools’ application programming interfaces to help large businesses implement a modern, digital architecture that increases scalability and…

The ABCs of PIM: Part 2

Akeneo

The primary reason that B2B organizations make the decision to invest in a Product Information Management (PIM) solution, is because they recognize that they need to have quality product data that can be leveraged for supporting multiple needs across the broader organization. With a PIM solution as part of your technology stack, your business can…

A dental products maker sinks its teeth into ecommerce

Akeneo

A B2B manufacturer that makes orthodontic products and peripherals for more than 25,000 customers is sinking its teeth into an updated ecommerce platform. The company, American Orthodontics, recently relaunched its B2B ecommerce site, AO Direct. American Orthodontics manufactures orthodontic products and peripherals in more than 110 countries. The company wanted to ensure an efficient and…

Weaker demand hits Ferguson ecommerce

Akeneo

Ferguson Plc., the British plumbing and heating products distributor does nearly all its business in the U.S., is coming off a weak first quarter. For the third quarter of fiscal 2023 ended April 30, Ferguson posted sales of $7.140 billion, a decrease of 2% from sales of $7.284 billion in the prior year. Net operating…

Spryker and Trevipay join forces to enhance payment options

Akeneo

Spryker and Trevipay have recently announced a strategic partnership to expand the payment options available for global B2B sellers and marketplaces. With this collaboration, customers can now access a wider range of payment methods, increasing convenience and accessibility while improving the overall shopping experience. The partnership aims to provide more flexibility for B2B sellers and…

Amazon Business posts record GMV

Akeneo

Amazon.com Inc. CEO Andy Jassy, in his 2022 letter to shareholders posted on Amazon’s website today, says that Amazon Business “drives roughly $35 billion in annualized gross sales,” including third-party sellers’ as well as Amazon’s own sales transactions on the dominant B2B marketplace. “We believe that we’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible to…

BigCommerce does a data sync with Sage

Akeneo

Having the ability to launch integrated storefronts will help B2B sellers reach new customers, increase operational efficiency, and provide real-time updates and visibility for orders, customer information, invoices and more, according to BigCommerce. BigCommerce and Sage leveraged ROI Inc.’s In-Synch real-time data synchronization application to make integration between their respective platforms possible. ROI is a…

Maersk ecommerce goes green

Akeneo

A big international shipping company is teaming up with a startup to make deliveries to European ecommerce suppliers greener. Maersk and the Berlin-based start-up Cozero are developing analytics tools to improve greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions visibility for international parcel deliveries in Europe. Since entering the European ecommerce logistics sector in 2021 with the acquisition of…

Digital B2B buyers have high expectations for easy and error-free payments processing

Akeneo

Fast, easy and error-free payments processing is a big deal for digital B2B buyers. And sellers that do not take that into account while creating a successful user experience do so at their own risk, says a new survey from Balance and MRM Commerce. The survey of 451 buyers finds that 97% of respondents say…

Amazon Business eyes Europe expansion

Akeneo

Amazon Business grew at a compound annual rate of 25% for the last two years, according to Alexandre Gagnon, vice president of Amazon Business Worldwide. To expand on that growth, Gagnon says the marketplace plans to enlarge sales of office supplies. The product category grew in recent years as the pandemic led companies to more…

Delivering Greater Flexibility With B2B Headless Commerce

Akeneo

The way we acquire goods and services is evolving on an almost weekly basis at the moment, with international, state and now suburban borders quickly shifting in and out of lockdown and various stages of restrictions to trade. The majority of the workforce has shifted to a “work from home” position which has no real…

European B2B ecommerce will flourish

Akeneo

B2B ecommerce continues to take hold in Europe, based on new data from the Chamber of Digital Economy, a Polish research firm. “Many manufacturers and distributors are undergoing digital transformation and becoming involved in e-commerce – nationally and internationally, which is an enormous opportunity for them to keep growing,” the chamber says. 41% of companies…

The 10 Step B2B eCommerce Project Checklist

Akeneo

Before you embark on implementing your first B2B eCommerce platform, it pays to put in place a good project plan. Whether you are a small business or a large company, the following ten step process can be used to help ensure an effective eCommerce implementation. This process has been developed by Sana Commerce and is based…

A distributor engineers a digital partnership

Akeneo

MSC Industrial, a large public US distributor of industrial supplies and metal working products, has a new exclusive ecommerce partnership with MachiningCloud MachiningCloud, which launched in 2020, is an internet software platform for more than 100,000 users involved in the sales of industrial machining tools from more than 50 brands, including Kennametal, 3DLive, Fullteron Tool Co.,…

This is how manufacturers excel in B2B ecommerce

Akeneo

Intershop provides best practices for manufacturing companies looking to optimize their ecommerce operations. It recommends that companies focus on creating a seamless customer experience by offering self-service options, personalized recommendations, and transparent pricing. They also suggest that companies should prioritize data management and integration to ensure that their ecommerce platform can seamlessly connect with other…

Manufacturing: Centralising B2B eCommerce to Scale Internationally

Akeneo

The current state of the world urges traditional businesses such as manufacturers to consider e-commerce.

B2B E-commerce Handbook

Akeneo

Building a foundation for digital commerce B2B companies launching or building out an e-commerce technology ecosystem and strategy have many options. The trick is finding the right one – or the right mix. This B2B e-commerce handbook offers essential tips for establishing a strong e-commerce foundation and unveils the growth strategies of industry leaders such…

Samsung eyes more online B2B mobile sales

Akeneo

Samsung Electronics Co. is opening new areas codes and markets for its smartphone B2B ecommerce business. In under two years, Samsung has launched more than 30 B2B store stores in various countries. In October 2021, Samsung launched stores in Australia, France, Turkey, the U.K. and the U.S. Since then, the service has vastly expanded throughout…

Why TreviPay is acquiring Apruve

Akeneo

As part of its ongoing strategy to make B2B payments faster and more efficient for its customers and expand its reach in the technology manufacturing vertical, as well as geographically across Asia, TreviPay, has reached an agreement to acquire B2B payment platform Apruve. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. TreviPay plans to leverage Apruve’s…

A better user experience drives digital sales

Akeneo

Manufacturers often struggle with increasing content requirements, more channels and touch points to manage, and rapidly changing customer needs, which require a company to be agile, says a new survey of 1,500 manufacturing companies by IDC. Moreover, the importance manufacturing companies place on improving their online user experience does vary by industry and world region….

How Signet energised its eCommerce capabilities

Akeneo

When it comes to eCommerce, the need to upgrade the user experience is a must for B2B suppliers, even if they are old hands at selling online. More than a decade after launching the first iteration of its eCommerce platform, Signet, one of Australia’s leading packaging suppliers, needed a new, more scalable eCommerce platform that…

The best & latest B2B eCommerce podcasts

Akeneo

Stay ahead of the game and tune into our partner’s B2B eCommerce podcasts. Access exclusive interviews and actionable advice on the latest trends and best practices. The B2B eCommerce category is growing at a rapid rate and staying up-to-date with the latest trends, insights, and best practices is a great way for any B2B practitioner…

Demystifying PunchOut: What is it and why it’s important

Akeneo

If you’ve heard the term PunchOut and wondered what it was, you’re not alone. eCommerce PunchOut is a little-understood (and rarely supported) function for most B2B eCommerce platform providers. But if you understand it, and understand how it can benefit your business, it truly sets you apart from the perspective of your customers. What is…

Truckers and marketplaces convoy

Akeneo

Earlier this month, three of the largest national carriers formed the Scheduling Standards Consortium (SSC). It aims to solve transportation scheduling challenges by establishing the freight industry’s first formal set of appointment scheduling application programming interface (API) standards. The three carriers: Convoy, J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc., and Uber Freight. “Complex, pervasive, industry-wide challenges such as this…

Caterpillar goes all in for digital commerce

Akeneo

Caterpillar Inc., an icon of U.S. manufacturing for nearly 100 years, has been selling online since 1999 and last year hit a milestone. Caterpillar’s ecommerce parts sales now exceed $2 billion annually. That’s about $10 million per business day in online parts sales from its dealer network. But the short version of where Caterpillar, with 2022…

TreviPay & Mastercard Partner to launch new B2B net terms financing capabilities

Akeneo

In a significant development for the B2B payments landscape, TreviPay, a leader in B2B payments and invoicing networks, in collaboration with Mastercard, has unveiled the new ‘Universal Acceptance’ solution. This innovative offering is set to revolutionize supplier access to advanced payment and invoicing technology. The Universal Acceptance solution empowers suppliers who already accept Mastercard payments…

Young digital B2B buyers differ from their peers

Akeneo

Younger versus older business buyers share some traits in common, but only a few. Both groups want to use sales, supply chain and procurement channels to make their jobs easier, faster and more effective. But how they use these channels are in contrast between the ages groups, says a new report from Forrester Research. “Forrester’s…

Xometry eyes better times ahead

Akeneo

For Xometry Inc., a large portion of the company‘s daily work load is figuring out how to create the biggest integrated global B2B marketplace for manufacturing services. “With our market-leading position and a total addressable market of $2 trillion, we expect to continue to grow rapidly for many years to come,” CEO Randy Altschuler told analysts during the…

EDI Versus B2B: Which Is Better?

Akeneo

Manufacturers and wholesalers who are moving to digital platforms can experience decision paralysis with so many options, especially when every digital ‘solution’ won’t necessarily solve your specific problem. One such option is comparing EDI and B2B eCommerce systems, knowing how they’re different and which is best suited to your business. What’s EDI? Electronic Data Interchange…

Why B2B eCommerce Projects Fail

Akeneo

As the new year kicks off, many B2B companies—especially small and mid-sized businesses—are diving headfirst into long-awaited #b2becommerce initiatives. Fresh budgets, carefully negotiated last year, are fueling investments in new tools like PIM, MDM, or advanced search and merchandising platforms as companies try to accelerate their #digitaltransformation efforts and take their digital maturity to a…

Anheuser-Busch goes bottoms up on B2B

Akeneo

Anheuser-Busch InBev, or AB InBev, a multinational drinks conglomerate headquartered in Belgium, is drinking in lots ecommerce and the party is only getting the started. AB InBev, one of the world’s largest beer brewers by both volume and revenue, operating more than 600 beer brands in 150 countries, says it generated more than $450 million…

The Executive Playbook for Leading B2B eCommerce Transformation

Akeneo

Part 5 of the Executive Briefing Series for Manufacturing & Distribution Leaders You’ve seen the strategy. You’ve understood the numbers. You’ve acknowledged the internal challenges. Now comes the most important question: As a leader, what exactly should you do to make B2B eCommerce succeed? Because here’s the reality: Technology doesn’t drive transformation. Leadership does. The…

How To Drive B2B eCommerce Customer Adoption

Akeneo

You’re excited about your new B2B eCommerce platform. You’ve crunched the ROI numbers and can see that profitability per online order will be much higher. But these efficiencies will only be realised when you manage to convince existing customers to start adopting and placing their orders online. So how can you ensure your B2B buyers…

US e-procurement sales hit $1 trillion

Akeneo

All in, B2B ecommerce sites and apps grew to $1.94 trillion in 2022, a 19% increase from $1.63 trillion in 2021. More important, B2B ecommerce grew faster than total B2B sales and accounted for 13% of all manufacturing and distribution sales. In comparison, Digital Commerce 360 estimates e-procurement sales grew 18% year over year and,…

BigCommerce launches B2B edition to boost sales operations

Akeneo

Leading SaaS eCommerce platform BigCommerce has announced the launch of a new offering to expand B2B’s functionality to increase ordering efficiency, attract and engage new prospects and manage customer accounts from one location. BigCommerce’s global launch of B2B Edition provides an advanced suite of B2B functionalities through a partner integration of BundleB2B with BigCommerce Enterprise….

Manufacturers target digital supply chains

Akeneo

More manufacturers are implementing some digital supply chain applications and services faster than others, says new data from PwC. Most manufacturers (53%) have achieved “full adoption” of cloud-based data platforms, Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and connected services. Meanwhile, just over a third (35%) have fully adopted scanning and intelligent data capture (OCR), says PwC…

Transforming wellness: Unique Health Products B2B ecommerce success

Akeneo

In the ever evolving landscape of B2B ecommerce, Unique Health Products has emerged as a notable example of adaptability and success in B2B ecommerce. Established in 1996 in Kunda Park, Queensland, Australia, Unique Health Products has redefined the distribution of natural and eco-friendly products across Australia. Their journey from a modest operation out of the…

How midmarket distributors compete with the goliaths

Akeneo

Are you a distributor looking to stand out in the competitive market? Learn how some of the midmarket industrial distributors use technology to empower their partners and customers. Distribution partners today are much more than a digital point of sale – they unlock massive potential, enabling distributors to revolutionize their industries. This report from Forrester…

The Leadership Playbook: Lessons from Fastenal’s Culture with Sam Aldinger

Akeneo

In a digital age dominated by platforms, AI, and process optimization, it’s easy to forget that people still power everything. That’s the powerful reminder at the heart of this conversation with Sam Aldinger, a 20-year Fastenal veteran and deeply respected leader in B2B. This isn’t just a story about eCommerce. It’s about leadership, humility, and…

Should startups care about profitability? More news at 10

Akeneo

There are certain topics that even some of the smartest people I talk with who aren’t startup oriented can’t fully grok. One of them is whether profitability matters. It’s common cocktail party chatter to hear people confidently pronounce that some well known startup is sure to blow up. Or you know the other one — the one…

B2B ecommerce is now part of the business mainstream

Akeneo

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic, economic problems and supply chain disruption have brought sudden and formidable challenges for B2B companies of all types and size. But it also created lucrative opportunities for companies to acquire more digital sales and market share—if they learn how to sell to digital-first customers. That was the message Mark Brohan, senior vice…

B2B In The Post COVID Era

Akeneo

The new “COVID” world has impacted individuals, retail, hospitality and front-line medical workers to name a few. These impacts have dominated the media but little is spoken about the B2B industry, and in particular the wholesale business models supporting retail? What is happening to these business types and what does this business model need to…

B2B companies embrace more e-procurement

Akeneo

Since 2020, dramatic changes in the global economy, ongoing supply chain disruptions, the growth in the number of employees working remotely, and B2B buyers’ increasing preference for purchasing digitally have forced many companies to alter their procurement process. A recent survey conducted by Futurum Research on behalf of SAP, reveals that 57% have make major…

How much does an ecommerce site cost?

Akeneo

In today’s digital age, ecommerce has become a crucial avenue for businesses to expand their reach and boost sales. However, many manufacturers are often left wondering about the cost implications of building and maintaining an ecommerce website. In this blog post, we will delve into the various components that contribute to the cost of implementing…

Transforming CX in B2B eCommerce with Diane Frick at Workwear Group

Akeneo

In an era where customer expectations continue to evolve, B2B organizations are challenged to redefine their digital platforms to stay competitive. For Workwear Group, a leader in workwear solutions owned by the Wesfarmers Group in Australia, transforming their digital landscape was not just an upgrade—it was an opportunity to realign with the needs of their…

Podcast: behind the scenes of B2B eCommerce

Akeneo

The eCommerce Experience Presented by Commerce Vision In this episode of The eCommerce Experience, host Andrew Rogencamp – COO of Commerce Vision – goes behind the scenes for a chat with Bri Vernon-Cox. As Bunzl Safety’s eCommerce Manager, Bri’s got a wealth of knowledge and insight into what really makes B2B tick. She’s passionate about…

Distributors sink money into the user experience

Akeneo

Improving ease of use and customer experience continues to be distributors’ highest priority when it comes to investing ecommerce investment, says the annual State of eCommerce in Distribution survey from the Distribution Strategy Group. Distributors that are highly satisfied with their ecommerce site tend to be more focused on delivering a satisfying customer experience. Distributors…

What’s Really Holding Back Your B2B eCommerce Success

Akeneo

Part 4 of the Executive Briefing Series for Manufacturing & Distribution Leaders So far in this series, we’ve talked about the why behind B2B eCommerce and the real benefits it delivers to your finances, operations, and sales teams. But let’s pause here, because for many organizations… progress stalls, and it usually has nothing to do…

What is the ROI of a future-proof B2B commerce platform?

Akeneo

A digital sales channel comes with a wide range of business benefits, which in total generate more revenue and greater competitiveness. Learn how to invest right and achieve a quick ROI. This whitepaper will provide you with insights and practical tips on how you can use the ROI of an e-commerce platform as a compelling…

Future proof your B2B ecommerce business

Akeneo

Ecommerce professionals understand how unpredictable the digital marketplace can be. As if navigating shifting consumer priorities was not enough, they must also contend with an ever-evolving search environment where a Google algorithm update could alter their business overnight. To complicate matters, these updates often are not well-understood, leaving many feeling powerless in the face of…

Personalization catches on in B2B

Akeneo

When it comes to the online buying experience, personalization based on a buyer’s purchasing habits and movement through a marketplace or supplier’s webstore has become table stakes for suppliers. For example, according to to a recent report from Knowde, a B2B marketplace, 73% of millennials prefer a personalized buying experience. Millennials are also comfortable with…

Change is coming fast to B2B digital commerce

Akeneo

The year ahead will bring several new challenges to B2B ecommerce. And those challenges will accelerate quickly in 2023, says a new survey from McKinsey & Co. McKinsey recently surveyed 50 senior executives, discussed the future of e-commerce with more than 75 business leaders, and analyzed the more than 1,000 digital-commerce programs they have helped…

A slowing economy catches up with an all-digital manufacturer

Akeneo

An all-digital ordering, processing and purely ecommerce manufacturer based in Minneapolis is reported slowing sales in the third quarter. The primary reason: slowing customer demand for injection molding, one of the company’s biggest sales business channels. “Revenue came in near the bottom end of our guidance as strong growth in several areas of our business…

Companies need ecommerce staffers now

Akeneo

Despite a wish otherwise from The Federal Reserve, job growth in the U.S. is still strong. And hiring is more than strong in B2B and B2C ecommerce. According to some data and analysis from job openings on ecommerce, hiring is strong across all sectors including for ecommerce managers and directors, and online digital marketing specialties….

The B2B Digital Commerce Playbook for Manufacturers

Akeneo

This guide explores four key ecommerce strategies for manufacturers This guide explores four key ecommerce strategies for manufacturersThis guide explores four key ecommerce strategies for manufacturers, the vision behind each strategy, the key results you should aim for and align with your strategy, and the initiatives that will help you get started. Who is this…

The Real Total Cost of Ownership of eCommerce Platforms: A Strategic Guide for Decision-Makers

Akeneo

Explore how adaptable and static platforms affect the cost of innovation — the most expensive TCO component. Explore how adaptable and static platforms affect the cost of innovation — the most expensive TCO component.What’s the most expensive component of owning an ecommerce platform? It’s not the deployment, license, or IT fees. The biggest hidden factor…

Dubai gives ecommerce a boost

Akeneo

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), the United Araba Emirates largest free-trade zone, has launched the DMCC E-Commerce Ecosystem with the intent of accelerating ecommerce growth across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Ecommerce in the region is expected to total $50 billion annually by 2025, up from $32 million currently. The new…

VTEX ends 2022 on strong sales growth

Akeneo

Citing strong same-store sales from existing customers and new customer additions, ecommerce platform provider VTEX posted total revenues of $45.5 million during the fourth quarter, a 22.5% increase from the same period a year earlier. Subscription revenue represented $42.7 million or 93.9% of total revenues for the quarter, up from $34.5 million for the same…

The natural starting point for AI implementation in B2B

Akeneo

Artificial intelligence (AI) has reached a critical inflection point. Some common questions at C-suite roundtables include “What is our AI strategy?” and “Where is the natural place to start?” Leading B2B companies are now reflecting on AI and assigning resources to execute for competitive advantage. This critical inflection point did not happen overnight, however. In…

New B2B ecommerce platform revolutionises construction parts marketplace

Akeneo

In a transformative move that emphasize SmartEquip‘s commitment to innovation and efficiency, the renowned heavy equipment commerce technology and networking company, a subsidiary of B2B marketplace giant RB Global, has unveiled the game-changing SmartEquip e-Commerce 2.0. This cutting-edge platform introduces a novel approach to the distribution of construction parts, offering authorized distributors, dealers, and fleet…

Aligned B2B marketing = better digital sales

Akeneo

With digital B2B sales growing at a rapid clip, B2B marketers need to be thinking about how to align their company’s brand, customer and digital experiences to engage buyers throughout the purchasing journey, and the customer lifecycle, as opposed to simply engaging potential customers early in their digital purchasing journey, then handing them off to…

Unified eCommerce Operations: Integrated PIM, OMS & eCommerce

Akeneo

Streamline Your eCommerce Operations with a Unified Approach! Streamline Your eCommerce Operations with a Unified Approach!About the whitepaper: Managing your eCommerce operations across multiple disconnected systems can feel like juggling too many tasks at once. This whitepaper offers practical insights on how bringing together your Product Information Management (PIM), Order Management System (OMS), and eCommerce…

The Financial and Operational Upside of B2B eCommerce

Akeneo

Part 2 of the Executive Briefing Series for Manufacturing & Distribution Leaders Most B2B leaders now understand that eCommerce is here to stay. What they don’t always see is how deeply it improves the financial performance and operational efficiency of their business. B2B eCommerce isn’t just about growing revenue online, it’s about reducing overhead, increasing…

Manufacturers ponder where ecommerce fits

Akeneo

There are about 243,000 manufacturers in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. And across all channels of digital sales, including electronic data interchange (EDI), ecommerce sites and apps, B2B marketplaces and e-procurement these manufacturers fared well in 2021. All in, U.S. manufacturers grew their combined electronic sales by 12.9% to $4.104 trillion…

B2B sellers engage buyers with new tactics

Akeneo

B2B sellers are prioritizing giving customers across new markets and portals new ways to make more purchases. And they are using a variety of tactics — including in-stock product notifications — to convert more transactions, according to data analysis from the 2023 B2B Ecommerce Growth Strategies Report from Adobe based on a survey from Digital…

Why B2B buyers are getting more finicky

Akeneo

B2B sellers of all types have their work cut out building customer loyalty, says a new survey from B2B ecommerce applications service provider Merkle. Merkle recently surveyed 3,622 buyers of B2B products and analyzed 7,000 B2B purchasing experiences. The research revealed that buyers go to an average of at least 3.2 different ecommerce sites looking…

How TYGRIS cleaned up its ecommerce act

Akeneo

According to an old proverbial phase, when life hands you lemons, make lemonade. That pretty well sums up B2B supplier TYGRIS’ venture into ecommerce. Charged in 2019 with a directive to grow revenues for the family business by a million British pounds in a year’s time, Jed Simpson, general manager for TYGRIS, a United Kingdom-based…

B2B eCommerce Startups: Tech Tank Recap

Akeneo

The February 2025 B2B Tech Tank webinar was an interactive, engaging time. We put two emerging tech companies Conversant and Motivate in the hotseat to explain to our B2B eCommerce expert panelists how their solution was changing the B2B landscape. Learn how these companies are using AI to solve the problems that touch each distributor…

Digital Strategy for B2B Commerce

Akeneo

Digital strategies are frameworks. Just as architects design great blueprints and 3D renderings for buildings, your organization needs structure and perspective for your digital ecosystem. If done well, digital strategies will provide pathways for taking your customers from Awareness to Advocacy. Construction experts know that a good project has many steps: site selection, space allocation, and…

A view from the top: A complete guide to getting more from your sales team with B2B ecommerce

Akeneo

This guide discusses ways to improve the efficiency of the sales process in an e-commerce business. It emphasizes the importance of having a clear understanding of customer needs and preferences, as well as ensuring that the sales process is streamlined and automated as much as possible. The guide recommends using data analytics to gain insights…

Green Hat Releases B2B Marketing Research Report

Akeneo

From account-based marketing to digital trends, Green Hat has released its latest B2B Marketing Findings. As with most industry sectors, B2B felt the impact of the COVID pandemic and with marketers working often with reduced budgets and unpredictabilities, businesses needed to think fast and adapt quickly. The reverse is also true, in that not all…

A big distributor hits a digital milestone

Akeneo

A major US distributor of industrial supplies ended 2022 with a bevy of digital firsts. Fastenal Co. also is planning more aggressive benchmarks for its digital sales channel. The company generates digital sales through multiple channels including internet vending machines, ecommerce and electronic data interchange. Fastenal is almost to the day when electronic sales account…

Unleashing productivity with generative AI

Akeneo

Technology leaders aiming to accelerate software development can expect groundbreaking time savings with generative AI. However, they’ll need more than tooling to exploit the full potential of this disruptive technology. Yet, while a massive surge in productivity is possible, our research finds time savings can vary significantly based on task complexity and developer experience. Time savings shrank to less…

Ryder makes another deal to keep on trucking in ecommerce distribution

Akeneo

Ryder Systems Inc, which manages nearly 239,000 commercial vehicles and operates more than 330 warehouses, encompassing more than 80 million square feet, has acquired Dotcom Distribution. Based in Edison, NJ, Dotcom Distribution was an early pioneer in U.S. B2B and B2C ecommerce. The company has been in business for 22 years and currently operates 12.8…

Intershop has acquired AI-intelligence platform SPARQUE.AI

Akeneo

In todays technology advanced world, it pays to consider the finer details when it comes to customer experience. With an estimated 12-24 million eCommerce sites on the world wide web, you need to stand out from the crowd. Having more personalisation and advanced features that excite and impress your buyers will do just that. Not…

What should B2B buying experiences look like

Akeneo

We’re just beginning to uncover all the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, but perhaps one of the earliest lessons to emerge was the power of an effective digital buying experience. When widespread lockdowns in spring 2020 made in-person shopping impossible, business ground to a halt. In response, retailers scrambled to offer online ordering with curbside…

Grainger makes a key ecommerce promotion

Akeneo

Zoro.com, an eCommerce company that sells millions of supplies, equipment and tools to small businesses nationwide, today announced Sandy Mattinson, who currently serves as chief revenue officer, will become the company’s new president on April 1. She succeeds Kevin Weadick, who stepped down after serving as the company’s president since 2017. “Sandy is a consummate…

Elastic Path will grow “composable commerce”

Akeneo

Software provider Elastic Path, flush with new capital, is out to build on its connection to “headless commerce” and “composable commerce.” “I think we’re at one of the most exciting moments in the digital commerce industry that we’ve seen … and really feel like we’re at the foothills of the next major change” as companies…

Why age matters for digital B2B buyers

Akeneo

Many manufacturers “are just dabbling in B2B ecommerce,” says Karie Daudt, senior commerce consultant at agency Perficient Digital. When the economic times are good, many manufacturers don’t want to change a process that’s working for them—such as by introducing ecommerce as an alternative to their sales force in the field. And how far along they are in…

Poor supply chains pose ecommerce trouble

Akeneo

Ongoing supply chain hiccups are a prime culprit in how fast companies of all size can build or expand B2B ecommerce. The 2022 State of the Supply Chain Report, released this month, notes that more than 80% of suppliers say they lack access to fully automated systems for processing invoices or requests for proposals submitted…

Platform Selection in B2B eCommerce: What 65% of Companies Get Wrong

Akeneo

Two-thirds of B2B companies are planning to replatform their B2B eCommerce software solution. That stat alone should make anyone in the space pause. But what’s behind the number and how do we break out of the cycle of costly missteps? In this episode of the B2B eCommerce Association Show, host Justin King sat down with Jay…

Announcing the 2025 B2B eCommerce Industry Awards

Akeneo

Recognizing Excellence in B2B eCommerce & Digital Transformation The B2B eCommerce Industry Awards 2025 are here, and this year, we’re raising the bar!Organized by the B2B eCommerce Association and featured as part of the inaugural B2B eCommerce World, these awards honor the innovators, leaders, and game-changers in the B2B eCommerce space. A Truly Global Celebration…

Sitecore Acquires Boxever & Four51

Akeneo

Digital experience management software Sitecore has announced its acquisition of Boxever Ltd, a SaaS-based customer data platform (CDP) Four51, Inc, a company delivering modern B2B and B2C experiences for enterprise brands. “Our mission is to disrupt the digital experience market and these acquisitions will extend our leadership position,” said Sitecore CEO Steve Tzikakis. “Sitecore’s innovative…

Why Distributors Need Better Product Data? with Caroline Ernst

Akeneo

If you think product content is just for eCommerce, think again. According to Caroline Ernst, Vice President of eCommerce Solutions at AD, product content isn’t a marketing asset, it’s the operational backbone of modern B2B distribution. In Episode 4 of The B2B eCommerce Show, Caroline shared how AD is helping 1,400 independent distributors, many of…

A big U.S. HVAC distributor closes in on record annual ecommerce sales

Akeneo

Watsco, one of the HVAC industry’s biggest distribution companies in the U.S. is reaping the benefits of B2B ecommerce. For the third quarter ended Sept. 30, Miami-based Watsco reported sales of $2.035 billion. That is a 14.2% increase from sales of $1.782 billion for the third quarter of 2021. Net income was $186.17 million, versus $164.94…

How PIM and DAM systems accelerate ecommerce

Akeneo

A fundamental and crucial starting point of the entire digital and omnichannel commerce experience is the management of product and customer data—even more so in B2B commerce than in retail, since B2B typically involves far more complicated products and orders. Moreover, the rapid growth in B2B online purchasing coincides with rising demand among B2B buyers…

Making digital B2B executives see green

Akeneo

Given mounting climate issues, and increased public interest in supporting sustainable brands, the ecommerce world is experiencing a huge shift in how it approaches its operations. Companies are well aware of the massive impact that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies have on consumer behavior and stakeholders, and as such more than 88 of them have introduced…

Nearly all B2B buyers face poor eCommerce checkout experience, new study finds

Akeneo

Hokodo, the B2B eCommerce Association, OroCommerce and Greenwood Consulting have teamed up on a groundbreaking research report that explores the habits and eCommerce expectations of business buyers. 500 business buyers from a range of industries across the UK and the EU took part in a survey to share the wins and woes of B2B eCommerce….

B2B eCommerce platforms: the definitive guide

Akeneo

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on B2B eCommerce Platforms, tailored specifically for manufacturers, wholesale distributors, and retailers. In this essential resource, we delve into the world of B2B eCommerce platforms, exploring their benefits, key features, and real-world applications to enhance your business operations. What is a B2B ecommerce platform? A B2B ecommerce platform is a…

How generative AI changes B2B ecommerce

Akeneo

There was the world before ChatGPT, and there is the world after ChatGPT. In fact, its emergence is being hailed as the next Industrial Revolution. With over a billion visitors per month, this generative AI tool is being rapidly adopted in fields ranging from creative industries like graphic design and content writing to more technical…

Europe marketplaces raise $2.1 billion

Akeneo

The European B2B marketplace market is growing at a rapid rate and continuing to attract bigger amounts of investment money, says a new research report. The report — The Europe B2B Marketplaces Top 25 Ranking 2023, from Applico Inc. — says the 25 marketplaces in the ranking have raised more than $2.1 billion over time….

How AI is reshaping marketing and sales

Akeneo

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in marketing and sales. And now, with the ongoing step-change evolution of generative AI (gen AI), we are seeing the use of open-source platforms penetrating to the sales frontlines, along with rising investment by sales-tech players in gen AI innovations….

Henkel’s Indola brand debuts innovative multi-distributor marketplace

Akeneo

Marking a significant advancement in the realm of B2B digital commerce, Henkel, the renowned multinational with a heritage spanning almost 150 years, has joined forces with VTEX, a leader in global digital commerce. This collaboration has transformed the B2B sales landscape for Indola, Henkel’s exclusive salon brand, through the introduction of an innovative multi-distributor marketplace…

Ecommerce accounts for 10% of manufacturing

Akeneo

All in, the sales that manufacturers generated across ecommerce sites and apps grew to $623.3 billion in 2022, based on data from the U.S. Department of Commerce and a projection by Digital Commerce 360. This growth in total sales came despite battling headwinds such as supply chain disruption, a labor shortage, higher inflation and slowing…

China outmuscles the US in B2B digital sales

Akeneo

The US is a big B2B ecommerce market with annual sales that reached $1.64 trillion in 2021, based on a projection from Digital Commerce 360. But while it has a huge market, the US is not the world’s biggest B2B ecommerce market. That distinction goes to China, according to some global market research done by…

A B2B marketplace constructs a global strategy

Akeneo

A primetime operator of a public B2B marketplace and an auctioneer of used construction equipment ended 2022 as banner year – and made an acquisition to transform its business. In addition to record gross transaction volume on their online B2B marketplace, Richie Bros Auctioneer also made a key acquisition. For the year ended Dec. 31,…

Digital Transformation & eCommerce Strategies in Latin America

Akeneo

In our recent webinar, industry leaders Jason Greenwood, Ljubitza Frkovich Mallqui, and Alan Sablich shared their first-person insights into the evolving landscape of digital transformation and eCommerce strategies in Latin America. This session brought together experts and practitioners to discuss the challenges and opportunities within the region. Key Highlights from the Webinar Embracing Digital Transformation:…

Solving the Silent Struggle in B2B: Why Returns, Warranties, and Repairs Deserve a Seat at the Strategy Table

Akeneo

Ask any distributor what keeps them up at night, and reverse logistics returns, warranties, and repairs rarely tops the list. Yet nearly every executive will admit: it’s a pain point that drains time, resources, and morale. B2B businesses have long accepted post-sales service as a cost of doing business. But what if it could be…

A digital manufacturer recalibrates

Akeneo

It was truly a mixed year of results for a Minneapolis-based digital manufacturing and ecommerce company. In the wake of flat top-line results for 2022 but a weak bottom line, Protolabs Inc. posted revenue of $488.4 million in 2022. That’s up only slightly from $488.1 million in 2021. Net loss was $103.4 million versus net…

Sana Commerce names new CEO to lead next phase of growth

Akeneo

Sana Commerce, a leading ERP-integrated B2B e-commerce company, is proud to announce the appointment of Sebastiaan Verhaar as Chief Executive Officer. Verhaar takes over from Michiel Schipperus, who has been at the helm of Sana Commerce from 2010 to 2022. Verhaar brings extensive experience in technology and strategic leadership positions in multinational corporations, including Google…

Manufacturers build out digital CRM

Akeneo

Editor’s note: Insightly, a customer relationship management (CRM) platform, is sharing insights into CRM functionality and what matters most for manufacturers when choosing a platform. An Insightly customer survey of manufacturers found that 70% saw a positive ROI within one year of using Insightly CRM, and 58% reported growth in their win rate of opportunities….

B2B sellers pay a premium for warehouse space

Akeneo

Ecommerce sellers, whether they are engaged in business-to-business or business-to-consumer online commerce, are gobbling up warehouse- and distribution-center space at a record pace. Online sellers also are paying a hefty premium for their new space, a trend that will continue for at least the foreseeable future, says new research from Los Angeles commercial realtor and…

B2B ecommerce sales stay the course

Akeneo

Total B2B sales continue to grow as demand for goods and services remains strong across many industrial sectors. But how B2B buyers are purchasing goods and services for their organization has clearly shifted. And that shift in purchasing behavior is a big factor in the acceleration of Q3 and year-to-date B2B ecommerce sales. In the…

A forklift maker moves ecommerce forward

Akeneo

As B2B buyers turn to digital purchasing channels they expect the digital experience to be aligned to their needs and expectations. Saddled with a website that was no longer able to meet the needs of its dealers due to an inferior user experience that was causing customer satisfaction to decline, KION North America, a manufacturer…

Why Italy is poised for more B2B ecommerce

Akeneo

Food. Art. Architecture. Culture. Only Italy and a few other countries have made such a global impact in many areas. And that includes B2B ecommerce, says Alibaba. Aside from culture and art, Italy is also a leading country for business and ranks as one of the largest economies in the EU. Although Italy was slow…

Distributor B2B ecommerce is underway, slowly

Akeneo

Ecommerce sales among wholesale distributors with an ecommerce channel represented 15.4% of revenues in 2022, up from 14.2% of revenues a year earlier, an 8.5% increase, according to the Distribution Strategy Group’s annual State of eCommerce in Distribution survey. That growth is projected to accelerate even more in 2023, as ecommerce revenues are forecast to…

One thing separates creators from consumers

Akeneo

Enterprise applications are complex — there is an insane amount of information that is to be displayed that contains data from various sources, modules and users. There are complex graphs, usage patterns, and lists of data that need to be skimmed through before one can make sense of what the console is getting at. “The biggest challenge…

Millennial buyers demand excellence

Akeneo

The growing number of millennial and Gen Z professionals have very high expectations for B2B ecommerce, says a new report from Forrester Research Inc. Millennial refers to people born between 1981 and 1996. Gen Z refers to those born between 1996 and 2012. “Generational shifts in the workplace are turning the business buying process on its…

The Hidden Cost of Returns in B2B Distribution, and Why It’s Time to Fix It

Akeneo

In B2B distribution, most digital strategies focus on front-end experiences, building out eCommerce sites, modernizing product data, streamlining online catalogs. But what if one of the most expensive, operationally draining processes is sitting quietly in the background, untouched, unmeasured, and costing you far more than you think? That’s the case with returns. Alex Witcpalek, who’s…

Mirakl & TreviPay integrate to provide invoicing and payment solutions

Akeneo

TreviPay, a global B2B payment solutions provider, has announced its partnership with Mirakl, a leading global marketplace solutions provider, to offer invoicing and payment solutions to marketplace businesses. This partnership will enable Mirakl’s customers to leverage TreviPay’s advanced payment technology to optimize their financial operations and increase efficiency. How the partnership benefits marketplace businesses The…

DJUST hits the market with a new platform

Akeneo

B2B applications and services provider DJUST, thinks its latest product launch will helps simplify the complexity of online trading and e-procurement between professionals. “The DJUST B2B ecommerce solution is built to cater to the modern approach required by B2B companies in adapting to changing customer behaviors, growing numbers of smaller to medium-sized businesses, and the…

The Unlikely Traits of a Modern B2B eCommerce Brand with Kyler Nixon

Akeneo

In a world where customer acquisition is harder (and more expensive) than ever, the traditional playbook for B2B distributors is failing. That’s the core message from Kyler Nixon, a former CRO turned strategist and content creator, who joined The B2B eCommerce Show to talk about how smaller, nimble distributors can thrive in today’s digital-first economy….

Embrace the golden age of digital customers

Akeneo

Karie Daudt, a veteran B2B strategist who is a Director of Commerce Strategy at digital consultancy Perficient, discusses how distributors can best take on the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly digital B2B world of commerce. Q: What are the top B2B digital commerce trends B2B buyers and sellers should watch closely in 2023 and…

How to hire the best ecommerce leaders

Akeneo

Hiring an ecommerce leader, whether it be a manager or a director or a vice president, is a big deal. It can represent one of the most important hires a business can make, if not THE most important for organizations that sell products exclusively online. It will touch practically all aspects of a company’s operation…

How to successfully implement punchout

Akeneo

When an organization selects their B2B ecommerce platform and embarks on a digital transformation it can uncover a lot of challenges. Everything from migrating customers off the old platform to setting customer specific pricing to product data or product information management (PIM) integrations. One of the things that is often overlooked is e-procurement and punchout…

Walmart takes on Amazon Business

Akeneo

Walmart, the world’s biggest stores retailer, is taking on Amazon, the world’s biggest online retailer, yet again. But this time the battle zone isn’t business-to-consumer ecommerce, its B2B ecommerce. As a direct competitor to Amazon Business, the online retailer’s thriving B2B marketplace, Walmart has rolled out WalmartBusiness.com, an ecommerce site for small business and non-profit…

Decoding the acronyms: Simplifying B2B ecommerce language for executive conversations

Akeneo

Have you ever tried to have a conversation with someone who’s deeply into a hobby that seems to have its own secret language? Whether it’s HAM radio enthusiasts discussing “QSO” or “QTH,” or birdwatchers using terms like “BOP” and “LBJ,” the acronyms fly fast and furiously. It can feel like trying to learn a new…

Meeting customers where they want

Akeneo

Across a range of industrial markets, from semiconductors to industrial automation components, OEMs have long relied on independent distributors for their go-to-market (GTM) strategies. Distributors have traditionally helped OEMs access a fragmented customer base, hold inventory as needed, manage working capital, aggregate products for end customers, and offer additional services (such as training, product support, and…

B2B eCommerce personalisation use case for spare parts business

Akeneo

It is without a doubt that the global pandemic has accelerated many companies’ digital roadmaps. For companies that sell products and services, being able to provide customers the option to purchase online will make or break the future of your business. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has found in their recent…

Amazon launches an app for quick reconciliation

Akeneo

Amazon Business has launched 3-Way Match on the Amazon Business mobile app to help business customers improve their smart business-buying strategies and automate reporting. Now available in the U.S., the new 3-Way Match app enables account administrators and approved buyers to use a mobile device to simply scan the barcode of a package when it…

Balance Internet launches: Digital Transformation in B2B eCommerce

Akeneo

B2B eCommerce is growing in leaps and bounds seeing B2B businesses moving to digital platforms like never before. In response to the growing demand for digitalisation products and information, Award-winning Australian eCommerce solutions provider, Balance Internet has just released the second edition of their free whitepaper, ‘Digital Transformation in B2B eCommerce — Driving success and…

B2B Vs B2C eCommerce: 6 key differences & why they’re important

Akeneo

In the simplest of terms, the differences in B2B versus B2C eCommerce are the customer relationships. eCommerce being an online business model facilitating sales transactions; a B2B model is a transaction from one business to another business (or B2B), whereas when an individual purchases from a website, it’s a business-to-consumer model (B2C). Creating a quality…

Bangladesh gets help through B2B ecommerce

Akeneo

ShopUp, a full-stack B2B commerce platform for small and medium businesses in Bangladesh, has secured $30 million in debt financing. Lendable, a London-based global provider of debt to fintech companies in emerging markets, provided $20 million of the financing. The deal marks Lendable’s first investment in South Asia. Debt financing is when a company borrows…

The challenges and potentials of aftermarket ecommerce

Akeneo

Businesses need to make it easier for customers and supply chain partners to find, select, buy and install the right spare parts – not only in the automotive sector. Buyers must have access to correct, complete, and high-quality information of the products and matching spare parts through easily accessible channels such as e-catalogs, digital customer…

Grainger ecommerce site hits a milestone

Akeneo

Zoro.com, the U.S.-based unit of W.W. Grainger’s online-only Endless Assortment segment, which caters to “smaller customers with less complex operations,” has reached the $1 billion sales mark. “Zoro exists to make our customers’ lives easier, and this achievement is a testament to the ways we continue to help small businesses find and buy more of…

U.S. manufacturing ecommerce sales grow

Akeneo

Manufacturers as a group had a pretty good year in 2022. But online and with ecommerce, they had an even better one. All in, U.S. manufacturers generated total sales of $6.560 trillion in 2022, an increase of 11.5% from sales of $5.884 trillion in 2021, based on data from the U.S. Department of Commerce and…

The complete guide to usability in B2B ecommerce

Akeneo

In today’s fast-paced world, business-to-business (B2B) buyers are short on time and expect even better service when buying online than your average consumer. A personal touch makes a big difference in B2B e-commerce, for example, a customized buying experience that provides relevant product and pricing information not only saves the business buyer time, it creates…

Nearly all B2B buyers face poor eCommerce checkout experience, new study finds

Akeneo

BioMedica Nutraceuticals: Pioneering B2B digital excellence in naturopathic healthcare

Akeneo

Since 1998, BioMedica Nutraceuticals, a subsidiary of PharmaCare Laboratories located in Alexandria, New South Wales, Australia, has been a key player in the B2B health and wellness industry. Their recent partnership with Adobe Commerce marks a significant step in re-energizing their business, focusing on delivering naturopathic solutions to practitioners. Objectives: Expanding B2B reach and enhancing…

Trelleborg rolls on with a new digital platform

Akeneo

A manufacturer of tires for forklifts and related vehicles for the agriculture and construction industries, Trelleborg Wheel Systems introduced an updated ecommerce platform for buyers and dealers. Trelleborg Wheel Systems is a global supplier of tires and complete wheels for off-highway vehicles and specialty applications. It has launched a new ecommerce platform. The new My…

A big MRO distributor accelerates ecommerce

Akeneo

One of the biggest US distributors of industrial supplies continues to push the pace of its ecommerce strategy. Total ecommerce sales for MSC Industrial increased 0.05% year over year to $595.8 million for the fiscal second quarter that ended March 4, amounting to 62% of total sales. In comparison, total sales increased 0.04% to $961.6…

5 Takeaways from the “3 Myths of B2B eCommerce” Webinar

Akeneo

In our recent session with Matt Boland (Infios) and Aaron Sheehan (OroCommerce), we unpacked the persistent myths that hold B2B eCommerce efforts back. If you missed it, here are five takeaways that stood out—grounded in what’s really happening inside manufacturers and distributors today. Webinar is available free to all free members of the B2BEA. Watch or…

Intersecting platforms and Google pays off

Akeneo

There’s a straight-line connection between inbound search traffic and revenue for most online businesses. More visitors usually equals more revenue, so companies do whatever it takes to drive people to their virtual front door. Some of this traffic is purchasable through paid search advertising. Other traffic is earned when people find a website organically using…

Why B2B investors like the Internet of Things

Akeneo

The Internet of Things (IoT) is drawing serious interest and money from investors. IoT is a network of physical objects — “things” — that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet. New research from Avnet Abacus analyzed Crunchbase…

An app developer ties its future with Shopify

Akeneo

An ecommerce app developer is betting its future on developing apps for ecommerce brands and merchants that use the Shopify ecommerce platform. And investors seem to like what they see Staytuned, a global software company that acquires and builds ecommerce applications with a core focus on Shopify, recently raised $34 million in funding from a…

More digital buyer behavior drives growth in YTD U.S. B2B sales

Akeneo

For the first nine months of 2022, total manufacturer and distributor sales totaled $11.103 trillion. That’s a 17.1% increase from $9.480 trillion in the first three quarters of 2021. For the third quarter ended Sept. 20, the combined sales of manufacturers and distributors grew year over year to $3.781 trillion. That’s up 15.2% from $3.283…

B2B e-commerce trends 2023: An autonomous future

Akeneo

All 2023 main trends for B2B ecommerce point towards a single future: autonomous commerce. These seven combined trends form the building blocks of an evolution that will forever change global B2B. That’s why 2023 is a pivotal year you can’t let pass by without upgrading your business! Millennials: the driving force of change The main…

How to accelerate e-commerce growth

Akeneo

Most companies have completed at least a partial shift to digital in response to overwhelming customer demand. To make that shift sustainable, they now need to carefully examine technology, physical infrastructure, talent recruitment and deployment, and other systems—and this needs to happen at speed. Digital leaders, in fact, run four times faster than their peers in…

B2B sellers must get tax automation right

Akeneo

For ecommerce businesses selling in multiple states, streamlined and error-free tax management is of existential importance. Papa John’s, Whole Foods, and Hertz are vivid illustrations of how inaccurate tax collection can result in high penalties and lead to class actions initiated by customers. This is where tax automation makes a big difference, easing the tax…

How To Build a Successful B2B eCommerce Team

Akeneo

B2B eCommerce is a specialist industry that requires experience and some unique skill sets. But how do you go about building the right team that is going to get your organisation to where it needs to be? In this article, we will explore what qualities a B2B eCommerce team really needs to excel. Leading From…