DISTRIBUTION


processes all at once, such as pricing, ordering and procurement. Because it requires that an organisation already has proper EDI infrastructure in place, it’s most commonly used by large companies, NPI (new product introduction) engineering firms and academic institutions such as colleges and universities.


• Punchouts – A punchout solution makes it simpler for users to develop accurate and detailed purchase orders, by using an


automated process. Punchouts streamline the purchasing process by utilising a company’s current e-procurement system to buy products. Punchouts are often a requirement on many RFPs, and are most widely adopted by B2B companies, especially medium- to-large ones. According to Practical E-Commerce, roughly half of B2B companies use an e-procurement system and 33% plan to implement one.


• APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) – APIs are rapidly growing in popularity, despite being a more recent digital solution,


and it’s not hard to see why: they’re well-loved because they are extremely customisable. Digi-Key offers a real-time API, a free solution that provides automated, real-time product search, price and availability, barcode, quoting and ordering, product change notifications and more by connecting customers’ systems with the distributor’s system. Gaining a competitive edge is another key benefit for customers using APIs. Thanks to the automated, machine-to-machine connection, accurate, vital product information is provided with speed.


• BOM (Bill of Materials) Manager: The Digi-Key BOM Manager is designed to ease the process of BOM management and


maintenance based on your needs. With features to save and archive revisions, multiply by number of assemblies and collaborate with others, this BOM Manager is truly in a class all of its own. Trying to keep up with the changes that happen with a BOM can be a distraction, and the BOM Manager eases a lot of that distraction by tracking changes, iterations, orders and more. When used together, these solutions can help automate manual


processes and create efficiencies that resonate throughout the entire supply chain.


Continuous enhancement When selecting a distribution partner, it’s important to make sure you’re choosing a company that is always looking for new ways to enhance their existing offerings, to make your job as efficient and effective as possible. In addition to the solutions mentioned earlier, Digi-Key also has


recently introduced new solutions to enhance several of its existing tools by adding new functionality and features, such as:


•myLists: This consolidated list management system streamlines customers’ BOM Manager, Price and Availability (PANDA), and


Favorites into one convenient solution. Digi-Key recently announced more than 15 new features designed to benefit customers, including an attrition calendar to plan for overages that account for parts lost or damaged during manufacturing, the ability to upload up to 1,000 line items per list, options for customising the list view, and alternatives suggested in-line for parts when available.


• Online Returns & Order Issues Portal: Recent enhancements to Digi- Key’s online returns and order issues portal have created a more


user-friendly model that allows international customers to fully self- service returns, including printing return shipping labels, making corrections, submitting part shortage requests and resolving order issues. This expedites the customer service experience, without losing the personalised touch.


Digital transformation The digital revolution is here to stay, and operating without digital solutions is likely putting your company at a competitive disadvantage. There’s no time like the present to start digitising your procurement operations in order to start experiencing the ROI that comes with these digital solutions. Digital tools can create convenience for customers. Digi-Key is


committed to supporting its customers in any way that it can, and its free digital solutions are one more way that it can do that.


Digi-Key www.digikey.co.uk


DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022 | ELECTRONICS TODAY 11


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