How Disruptive is the Internet to the Established Electrical Supply/Distrib Chain???

[dionysius]

As we all know the Internet has the potential to cause the distribution and supply chain in all arenas a lot of reorganization and pain.

One can see a specification going directly to an automated manufacturing plant for complex switchgear etc. and the item being delivered within a couple of days to the site. Just In Time Manufacturing can shrink the need for warehouses. Smart interfaces that question the end buyer (YOU) as to every detail and use artificial intelligence to read one line drawings and suggest the best fit for even the most complex applications conforming to codes and standards can shrink many jobs done now by the human. Future orders for similar items can be easily described by comparison/contrast to previously filled orders. Voice, phone, video, etc. modalities can/will all be employed.

How much change do you foresee in this business of Electrical Supply and when do you expect to see big effects???? How will Electrical Supply compare with HVAC, Mech Gear, etc. I do realize some change is already present but are we just beginning or is the system we have now optimal???

 

[dionysius]

Another way to think of it is this.......is there anything you would like to see changed or do you feel the current system is the best mix of competitive pricing with ancillary services. In the consumer domain many do not like the big box operations since they have no service available. Yet the American way of driving everything down to the bottom pricing (e.g. Walmart etc.) is perhaps never going to impact us, or is it?????:?

 

[petersonra]

Much of what you described already exist in one form or another. It's not commonly used because the training required to get people up to speed is a little bit daunting for most smaller shops but I guarantee you that it's there. At some time you're going to have to learn to use it. Or your costs are going to be insane.