The manufacturing sector is rapidly embracing digital-first sales platforms like BigCommerce, driven by shifting buyer expectations and technological advances, leading to increased efficiencies and growth opportunities.
The landscape of B2B manufacturing commerce is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by shifting buyer expectations and technological advancements. Traditionally characterised by lengthy sales cycles, personalised relationships, and reliance on paper catalogues, the B2B sales process is increasingly being replaced by digital-first interactions. This change is not merely about convenience; it responds to buyers’ demands for agility, transparency, and efficiency in purchasing processes.
Industry research by Gartner reveals that 75% of B2B buyers now favour digital self-service to research and place orders, underscoring a fundamental shift in buyer behaviour. These buyers expect features akin to consumer ecommerce giants like Amazon—real-time inventory updates, transparent pricing and shipping information, 24/7 access to product details, and streamlined reordering capabilities. This evolution pressures manufacturers and processors to reimagine their sales channels if they are to remain competitive and avoid customer attrition.
BigCommerce has emerged as a pivotal enabler in this digital shift, positioning its B2B Edition platform as a comprehensive solution tailored for manufacturers aiming to modernise their sales infrastructure. The platform supports integration with existing enterprise resource planning (ERP), product information management (PIM), and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, allowing companies to transition to ecommerce incrementally. For instance, businesses can start by digitising repeat orders before expanding their online presence more broadly.
This flexibility is complemented by advanced functionalities, including controlled access for different buyer roles, invoice portals, multiple storefront management, configure-price-quote (CPQ) tools, and seamless payment options. Additionally, newer features such as multi-storefront capabilities, headless commerce support, and modernised buyer portals empower customised, efficient digital experiences that meet the varied and evolving needs of B2B customers. Data syndication tools like Feedonomics further enhance product discoverability across diverse marketplaces and search engines, contributing to resilience by diversifying sales channels.
A case in point is TYGRIS, a Scottish family-run industrial supplier, which launched a BigCommerce B2B Storefront in 2020. The company saw transformative results, including a 145% increase in conversion rates and a 138% increase in revenue within a year. Features such as real-time inventory visibility and quick order pads proved crucial, especially during pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions. Jed Simpson, General Manager at TYGRIS, highlighted the platform’s scalability and flexibility as key factors enabling rapid, customer-driven adjustments.
BigCommerce’s B2B Edition has garnered strong independent endorsements that reinforce its credibility, including being named a Leader in IDC MarketScape’s Worldwide B2B Digital Commerce Applications report and receiving multiple medals in Paradigm B2B’s commerce technology evaluations. Gartner’s 2024 Magic Quadrant recognised BigCommerce for its innovation and ability to serve both B2B and B2C markets on a single platform. Furthermore, customer satisfaction ratings on G2 position it as a leading ecommerce solution with rapid return on investment timelines.
Looking ahead, the manufacturing sector faces emerging demands shaped by AI-powered personalisation, sustainability transparency, and omnichannel fulfilment expectations. Digital commerce platforms like BigCommerce provide a foundation to address these challenges, offering manufacturers the agility to adapt quickly to market changes and customer expectations.
In summary, ecommerce is no longer optional for manufacturers; it is central to resilience, efficiency, and growth in a globalised, digital economy. Companies investing in robust, scalable digital platforms today are better positioned to capture new markets, retain customers through superior buying experiences, and navigate the uncertainties of tomorrow’s industrial landscape. BigCommerce presents itself as a capable partner in this journey, equipping manufacturers and processors to not only get online but to thrive online.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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