“Smart eCat is probably the best-kept secret out there,” said Paul Molitor, president & CEO, IDEA, in a press release. “ElectricSmarts has created a phenomenal interface for computers and mobile devices, which is extremely powerful when combined with the manufacturer-supplied product data from IDEA. The value of Smart eCat will only become greater as manufacturers continue to improve the quality of their product content through IDEA’s Data Certification Program."
IDEA and ElectricSmarts have been strategic partners since 2011. Through this partnership, ElectricSmarts populates the Smart eCat catalog with manufacturer-supplied and -authorized data directly from the IDW. The IDW holds more than 2.4 million products, and this direct connection enables Smart eCat to receive real-time data updates as manufacturers make changes to their product information in the IDW.
Distributors subscribing to the IDW have access to the Smart eCat module, which can be provided to their customers on distributors’ websites. Smart eCat also gives distributors easy access to the list pricing information they need to conduct customer negotiations and win bids for large industrial accounts and government contracts.
Manufacturers who have authorized Smart eCat to access their IDW data increase the visibility of their products in front of large industrial and government buyers, on distributors’ websites, and in estimating systems and mobile apps used by contractors, specifiers, and other end users. End users are able to use Smart eCat to receive a direct feed of manufacturer-supplied pricing information for required list price verification, change orders, and bidding.
“The connection between Smart eCat and the IDW helps trading partners work together more efficiently by using complete, accurate information,” said Keith Peck, President, ElectricSmarts Network, in the press release. “End users have instant access to quality product data straight from manufacturers that they need for specifying, bidding, and online ordering from their distributors, and no time is wasted on incorrect orders or misquoted bids."
As part of this campaign, IDEA and ElectricSmarts are also currently committed to expanding Smart eCat’s reach to government purchasing agents looking to validate price quotes during the procurement process, seeking support from the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).