Article Number : 4713 |
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| Date | 8/4/2009 8:27:14 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=4713 |
| Abstract | By Matthew Spieler ATLANTA—A growing comfort level, better technology and the recession forcing businesses to find ways to cut costs without sacrificing service are all playing major roles in... |
| Article | By Matthew Spieler ATLANTA—A growing comfort level, better technology and the recession forcing businesses to find ways to cut costs without sacrificing service are all playing major roles in the industry’s growing use of e-commerce, including business-to-business (B2B). The growth and acceptance of the flooring industry B2B standard protocol was clearly seen at the fourth annual meeting of the Floor Covering Business to Business Association (fcB2B) here last month. With nearly one-quarter of the participants first-time attendees as well as eight companies being represented for the first time, Pam Bowe, fcB2B’s executive director/CEO, called the meeting “the best and most productive to date.” Aaron Pirner, fcB2B’s president and CEO of CAP Carpet in Wichita, Kan., added, “Several firms sent multiple delegates. Overall it was a very positive, informative and productive meeting.” Despite having so many new faces, Bowe told FCNews, “We got a great deal accomplished in a very short time. The interaction and engagement of ideas and positive evaluation was really significant and impressive.” One of the key reasons for the meeting’s success was a change in format as a more holistic approach was taken. Even though this was the association’s fourth get- together, there has been work on developing an industry-wide B2B protocol for eight years, and key members of the organization have actually been voluntarily meeting for two years prior to fcB2B officially being formed. As a result, Bowe said, “We wanted to review what had been accomplished over the past eight years and focus on where we want to be within the next two years.” She added looking at a 10-year period and setting goals based on input from the entire group “was important to this meeting. Making sure everyone knew what was, is and will be was equally important.” Along with getting everyone on the same page, participants discussed and explored new technology to help make the industry standard as easy to use as possible. The idea is so everyone in the selling chain will not only benefit from the many advantages B2B offers but will be comfortable using e-commerce to help run their day-today business. One area being looked at is the Web, as a survey done by the association found the majority of companies were utilizing some form of Web-oriented B2B in their daily business routines, and that nearly 100% wanted to use more. Bowe explained the utilization of Web services will allow software [companies] to begin to add new transactions to fcB2B. An example is the ability to check stock. We are currently working with a focus group that includes retailers to identify those transactions we might develop for use with Web services.” When it comes to what the standard currently has to offer, she noted, “Much progress is being made on the expansion, refinement and usability of the product price catalog component.” But, Bowe told the group that fcB2B is currently working with only five document standards—purchase order, acknowledgement, advance shipping notice, invoice and product/price catalog—even though hundreds more exist. She handed out a list with approximately 300 standards under the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and challenged the audience to find one they believe is the next standard fcB2B works to integrate into its standard. She emphasized five will not allow the floor covering industry to move forward. Despite its current limitations, she did emphasize to FCNews that more retailers are trying B2B every day. “And those that have are now using it for more transactions.” While the recession that has gripped the country has put a major hurt in business, it has actually helped the B2B standard as part of the increased use is tied directly to the downturn in business. Bowe said “retailers are searching for real ways to hold on to their bottom line. Amongst the vendors, there has been a marked increase in development and they are promoting using B2B to their customers.” She pointed to an incentive program Shaw has for all customers using e-commerce— both at Shaw Online and fcB2B. For more on the fcB2B association and e-commerce, contact Bowe at 206.448.6655 or visit fcb2b.org. |