Items Tagged with 'data'

In this episode of And So It Flows, Jennifer Harrison and Kaytee Gray from SupplyHouse.com discuss how digital merchandising and fulfillment are evolving to empower contractors with expert product information, simplifying decision-making in the field.

Data sources, even high-quality ones, do not inherently guarantee consistency. Two sources may provide data for the same category but define attributes differently, apply different units of measure, or populate fields in inconsistent ways. Even within a single source, definitions and data quality can vary over time or across product lines. Without a shared standard, organizations must repeatedly interpret, normalize, and reconcile that variability internally.

The American Supply Association (ASA) is set to transform the plumbing, heating, cooling, and PVF industries with its Product Data Standard (PDS), launching on July 1, 2025. This initiative aims to standardize product information across the supply chain, streamlining communication from manufacturer to distributor to end user. Say goodbye to inconsistent data and hello to a new era of efficiency and clarity.

To date, more than 35 leading manufacturers and distributors have contributed to the development of the standard and have started adopting it within their product sharing systems.

From stolen data to system disruptions, cyberattacks can be devastating. But with the right knowledge, you can take action to safeguard your business and educate your team to help keep these threats at bay. Here are six cybersecurity strategies to conside.

Industry Insights Senior Vice President Greg Manns notes data from the 2025 report shows 2024 was a challenging year compared to a few recent ones. However, Manns cautions that he is not painting a picture of gloom and doom because ASA wholesaler respondents still reported a fairly solid year when looking from a historical perspective over the last 5-10 years.

With growing digital demands and operational complexity, ASA is taking a bold step to establish an industry-backed, collaborative standard that will enhance accuracy, efficiency, and innovation for all stakeholders — from manufacturers and distributors to reps.

Phone calls are far from obsolete; Invoca’s 2025 Call Conversion Industry Benchmarks Report reveals that 37% of phone leads convert during the call, and 61% of callers speak directly with a representative.

Here are some specific ways distributors and their contractor partners can use AI and visible data to enhance interactions throughout the supply chain.