What if you could streamline your procurement process and make your operations more efficient with just a few clicks?

Discover the game-changing features now available on our online experience, including an enhanced quick order functionality that allows you to export product lists to a CSV file, with real-time pricing and availability tailored to your account.

The platform now supports direct input and file uploads of up to 50,000 items, making large orders more manageable than ever. You'll also learn how to incorporate custom part numbers and efficiently manage pricing records, making your procurement process smoother and more efficient.

Stay ahead with the latest updates aimed at improving your customer experience and operational efficiency. Learn how proactive supplier date changes and estimated ship and delivery dates can optimize your planning and resource allocation. We've also introduced order confirmation emails and PunchOut systems to ensure accuracy and convenience.

Plus, find out how you can download proof of delivery and original invoices directly from your online account. Don't miss the newly simplified return process that makes handling returns faster and easier.

Be sure to check out our YouTube channel for a wealth of resources, and stay connected with our ever-growing community!

Remember to keep asking why...

Digitalization Resources:
New Features Article
Video Explanation of Registering for an Account
Register for an Account

Other Resources to help with your journey:
Installed Asset Analysis Support
EECO Smart Manufacturing Guide
System Planning Support
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in North or South Carolina
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in Virginia

Submit your questions and feedback to: podcast@eecoaskwhy.com

Follow EECO on LinkedIn

Host: Chris Grainger

Can modern e-commerce platforms really transform the way industrial manufacturers operate?

We unpack the revolutionary impact of e-commerce account management within the industrial sector. You'll discover how these platforms have evolved to meet the multifaceted needs of purchasing, engineering, logistics, and installation. From real-time pricing and quote requests aiding purchasing agents to advanced data integration helping users make informed decisions, we promise a wealth of insights that can keep your business one step ahead of the competition.

Learn how maximizing account management solutions can benefit multiple departments within your organization. Purchasing agents will find invaluable tools for budgeting and cost control, thanks to real-time pricing and negotiated rates. Meanwhile, detailed order histories and shipment tracking can streamline inventory management, ensuring timely deliveries. Engineers will appreciate the access to technical specifications, CAD drawings, and product comparisons, all essential for making informed decisions and gaining a competitive edge. Additionally, we'll highlight how logistics can be optimized with these systems, ensuring smooth project execution and efficient operational planning.

We also spotlight cutting-edge technologies revolutionizing industrial manufacturing and e-commerce. This episode is a treasure trove of information designed to help you embrace these innovations, enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure your business remains competitive. Join us, stay curious, and explore the resources in our show notes for further insights.

Remember to keep asking why...

Digitalization Resources:
Account Management Article
Video Explanation of Registering for an Account
Register for an Account

Other Resources to help with your journey:
Installed Asset Analysis Support
EECO Smart Manufacturing Guide
System Planning Support
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in North or South Carolina
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in Virginia

Submit your questions and feedback to: podcast@eecoaskwhy.com

Follow EECO on LinkedIn

Host: Chris Grainger

We're tearing down the old procurement playbook and rewriting rules that foster stronger connections with industrial distributors, through digital toolkits that transform procurement from a support function to a centerpiece of strategic influence. As we wade through this digital tide, the insights shared are bound to redefine your approach to efficiency and relationships in this competitive arena.

Picture a world where e-commerce portals and EDI technology act as the neural pathways of procurement. This episode peels back the curtain on how seamless electronic document exchange is revolutionizing the industry, with systems like PunchOut and CXML at the helm. Listen closely as we unravel the layers of how Ariba, Coupa, and Jagger Tungsten are exploiting these innovations for business prosperity.

We shine a spotlight on the transformative digital solutions redefining the distributor's world. EDI emerges not just as a tool but as a guiding light, illuminating the path to precision in decision-making and inventory management. The age of cumbersome catalogs and opaque purchasing processes is being eclipsed by user-friendly e-commerce solutions that broaden a distributor's horizon.

Here's to the unparalleled access to data that these digital marvels provide, and to the magic they weave in customer service, sales, and operations. Stay connected, stay curious, and let's continue to navigate the future of industrial manufacturing together.

Remember to keep asking why...

Digitalization Resources:
Digital Age Article
Video Explanation of Registering for an Account
Register for an Account

Other Resources to help with your journey:
Installed Asset Analysis Support
EECO Smart Manufacturing Guide
System Planning Support
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in North or South Carolina
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in Virginia

Submit your questions and feedback to: podcast@eecoaskwhy.com

Follow EECO on LinkedIn

Host: Chris Grainger

Unlock the future of digital procurement with us as we traverse the exciting landscape of industrial distribution's transformation.

Experience firsthand how EECO is spearheading innovation by offering self-service platforms that mirror the ease of B2C transactions within the B2B sphere. In this episode, you'll gain unparalleled insight into the three cornerstones of a seamless digital purchasing path: immediate access to pricing, in-depth product information, and straightforward online account management.

Together, we dissect the strategic moves distributors must make to not only survive but excel amid the rising tide of e-commerce.

Prepare to be captivated as we decode the secrets to building robust, user-friendly e-commerce systems, peppered with rich digital content that fuels confident buying decisions. Hear how leveraging data analytics can personalize the customer experience and foster trust, creating a loyal customer base through customized recommendations.

We take you through the continuous loop of innovation, addressing the urgent need for distributors to marry deep product expertise with superior user experiences, thereby crafting a digital commerce ecosystem that resonates with modern buyers. Get ready for a journey that promises to reshape your perspective on the digital shift in industrial distribution.

Remember to keep asking why...

Digital Self-Service Resources:
Digital Age Article
Video Explanation of Registering for an Account
Register for an Account

Other Resources to help with your journey:
Installed Asset Analysis Support
EECO Smart Manufacturing Guide
System Planning Support
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in North or South Carolina
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in Virginia

Submit your questions and feedback to: podcast@eecoaskwhy.com

Follow EECO on LinkedIn

Host: Chris Grainger

Discover the transformative shift that's redefining industrial manufacturing: the ascendancy of managed network switches. We will walk through the cutting-edge intersection of technology and production, where managed switches reign supreme to streamline data flow, bolster efficiency, and dramatically cut downtime. Let's examine the critical nuances between unmanaged and managed switches, offering insights into how these powerful tools shape the future of smart manufacturing.

Delve into the cyber battleground of industrial networks, where the security of your operations hangs in the balance. Managed Ethernet switches emerge as the unsung heroes, locking down vulnerabilities and fortifying your infrastructure against threats. Through candid discussions on the imperative of port authentication to VLAN segmentation, we unravel the strategies that keep your intellectual property and compliance in check. This is a wake-up call to embrace managed switches as your ally in the relentless pursuit of secure, efficient smart manufacturing.

Gazing ahead, we chart a course through the innovations defining tomorrow's connected factories. From Stratix to Hirschmann, we highlight the trailblazers pushing boundaries and the ways Electric Equipment Company can prime your business for a robust infrastructure. Tune in for a comprehensive look at the resources and expertise at your disposal, ensuring you navigate the complexities of industrial connectivity with unwavering confidence.

Remember to keep asking why...

Network Switch Resources:
Network Switch Article
How to Configure a Network Switch in Siemens TIA Portal
Managed Ethernet Switches are Essential to the Connected Factory
Network Architecture | Do you think you have the best?

Other Resources to help with your journey:
Understanding your One-Line
Installed Asset Analysis Support
EECO Smart Manufacturing Guide
System Planning Support
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in North or South Carolina
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in Virginia

Submit your questions and feedback to: podcast@eecoaskwhy.com

Follow EECO on LinkedIn

Host: Chris Grainger

Unlock the secrets to operational excellence with a deep dive into the world of power monitoring in industrial manufacturing. We weave through genesis including technology such as chart recorders to the latest sophisticated systems, providing an eye-opening perspective on process health. Discover how the shift from scheduled maintenance to condition-based strategies, with smart motor protection and IIoT solutions like Eaton's Power Xpert meter and Rockwell Automation's PowerMonitor, is not just reducing downtime, but paving the way for remarkable cost savings and enhanced operational efficiency.

Imagine a world where maintenance teams can predict equipment failures before they occur, and decisions are made not on hunches but on hard data; that's the reality we're discussing today. We emphasize the critical role of power monitoring in staying competitive, optimizing energy usage, and extending the life of your assets.

Choosing the right power monitoring solution is a journey, and we shed light on the critical mileposts to ensure you're on the right path. Learn about the importance of a compelling proof of concept, scalability, and the collaboration between IT and OT for seamless integration.

Remember we're not just a podcast but a community dedicated to fostering growth in the electrical distribution industry, where people and ideas are over products, and continual learning is our driving force. Join us, and let's revolutionize the way we think about power monitoring together.

Remember to keep asking why...

Power Monitoring Resources:
Power Monitoring Article
Power Show Video
Smart Monitoring for Pump Applications
Eaton Power Xpert Integration Guide

Other Resources to help with your journey:
Understanding your One-Line
Installed Asset Analysis Support
EECO Smart Manufacturing Guide
System Planning Support
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in North or South Carolina
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in Virginia

Submit your questions and feedback to: podcast@eecoaskwhy.com

Follow EECO on LinkedIn

Host: Chris Grainger

Embark on a journey through the evolution of industrial automation as we unravel the mysteries of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) on ECO Ask Why. Prepare to trace the lineage of innovation from the days of clunky relays to the sleek, data-driven era of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and sophisticated control system.

We're not stopping at the hardware; we delve into the networking revolution that's interlinking machines and churning out data at an unprecedented rate. Yes, this data is the new gold, and with the aid of trailblazers like HMS Networks and their offerings, we're dissecting how this precious resource is being mined, refined, and put to work turbocharging manufacturing efficiencies.

In our latest installment, the spotlight shines on the unsung heroes of industrial automation—interoperability and standardization. These twin pillars have knocked down walls between disparate systems, thanks to common languages like Ethernet IP.

As we peer into the crystal ball of manufacturing's future, the shimmer of edge computing, the allure of AI, and the promise of 5G beckon, foretelling a saga of operational wizardry and split-second strategy. So buckle up, because this episode is an electrifying ride through the past, present, and future of industrial automation that is sure to ignite your imagination and fuel your curiosity.

Remember to keep asking why...

Automation IIoT Resources:
Connectivity Article
Interoperability Article
What is IIoT Article
Ethernet Article

Other Resources to help with your journey:
Understanding your One-Line
Installed Asset Analysis Support
EECO Smart Manufacturing Guide
System Planning Support
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in North or South Carolina
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in Virginia

Submit your questions and feedback to: podcast@eecoaskwhy.com

Follow EECO on LinkedIn

Host: Chris Grainger

What if the key to revolutionizing your manufacturing operations lies in the smart protection of your motors? As industrial leaders seek competitive advantage, embracing smart motor protection is not just about enhancing reliability and longevity of equipment, but also about steering the company's perception towards quality.

We introduce you to the countless benefits of this technology, illustrate how real-time data and proactive interventions can keep expensive downtime at bay, and underscore the importance of seeing beyond the products to the impact on your brand image.

Ever considered the shift from reactive to proactive maintenance? The efficiency of smart motor protection is not limited to manufacturing alone, but extends to industrial facilities as well. In our conversation, we'll guide you through the importance of staying hands-on with the latest technologies and how to maximize their potential with the right partners.

Assess the impact of smart motor protection on reliability, downtime, energy usage, and explore the critical need for interconnected systems and data-driven insights.

Looking forward to you joining us on this exciting journey of transformation.

Remember to keep asking why...

Smart Motor Protection Resources:
Smart Motor Protection Article
Rockwell Automation E300 Article
Eaton C445 Information

Other Resources to help with your journey:
Understanding your One-Line
Installed Asset Analysis Support
EECO Smart Manufacturing Guide
System Planning Support
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in North or South Carolina
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in Virginia

Submit your questions and feedback to: podcast@eecoaskwhy.com

Follow EECO on LinkedIn

Host: Chris Grainger