**London**: A recent PushON study reveals that builders’ merchants are struggling to modernise eCommerce. Key barriers include cost-cutting pressures, resistance to change, and gaps in digital expertise, which threaten competitive viability in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
According to a recent study commissioned by PushON, a prominent eCommerce agency, builders’ merchants and construction suppliers are facing significant hurdles in modernising their eCommerce capabilities. The report, titled “Building the Future: The Evolution of Construction eCommerce,” details how the construction sector is struggling with various challenges that impede its ability to embrace digital transformation.
The research, which surveyed senior decision-makers from various segments of the construction supply chain, revealed a pressing concern among 34% of businesses that feel compelled to cut costs through digital adoption. However, many participants voiced difficulties in aligning their eCommerce initiatives with overarching business goals. Notably, 57% of survey respondents reported obstacles in integrating digital strategies into their broader operational frameworks, highlighting a substantial disconnect between established practices and the potential benefits offered by modern technology.
A predominant theme in the findings was resistance to change, with 56% of participants indicating that traditional operational methods within their organisations are inhibiting progress. Additionally, budget constraints emerged as a crucial barrier, with 39% citing financial limitations as a significant stumbling block in implementing digital initiatives.
The report identified a fundamental issue concerning the leadership’s understanding of digital commerce, with 24% of respondents indicating gaps in knowledge at the executive level. This absence of expertise, along with inflexible technology stacks, which were mentioned by 19% of those surveyed, is leaving many construction firms unprepared to adapt to evolving eCommerce demands.
Sam Rutley, Managing Director of PushON, remarked on these findings, stating, “Many construction suppliers see digital transformation as a threat to their traditional business model. In reality, it’s an opportunity to enhance it.” Rutley emphasised that the construction supply sector is grappling with barriers that have already been addressed in other industries. He outlined, “The combination of limited budgets, resistance to change, and a lack of digital expertise is stalling progress at a time when modernisation is essential for survival.”
He further cautioned that organisations that fail to adapt to the increasing demand for digital solutions risk obsolescence. According to Rutley, “There’s a clear recognition of the need for change, but until leadership prioritises digital transformation and secures the necessary buy-in across organisations, progress will remain slow. The industry must act now to ensure its future competitiveness.”
The report also shed light on the current state of digital infrastructure within these organisations, indicating that existing eCommerce platforms do not meet expectations. Just 24% of respondents expressed that they were “extremely satisfied” with their eCommerce systems, with many highlighting concerns regarding the ability of current technology to cater to future requirements.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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