FEATURE STORY
Undertaking Acquisitions Requires Evaluation of B2B eCommerce with Legacy Technology By: Thomas R. Cutler
There are many reasons for the velocity and frequency of mergers and acquisitions within the industrial complex. The most obvious rationale is to grow market share. Topline revenue growth is only achieved through organic sales or from acquiring competitors. While logical, there are frequently missteps when blending organizations which can spell disaster. Culturally, there may not be a great fit, but with care and diligence, those pitfalls can be managed. The expectation of continuous revenue streams from a blended organization creates potential landmines unless the technology includes a well thought out evaluation for B2B eCommerce integration. (In some cases, the company being acquired may not have a digital presence
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at all.) The decision to acquire a company must be made based on financial considerations since the industrial sector is increasingly digitized.
and acquired company must have a seamless experience. The customer is less interested in the acquisition than the ease and familiarity with which orders may be processed.”
Unifying All Systems Makes Acquired Organizations Operate As One
Utilizing Scalable, Flexible, And Customizable Solutions
A short-term strategy of eliminating smaller competitors is not sustainable. Creating a unified system is the task of experienced technology consultants. Failing to find the right tools or executing the unification correctly will prove problematic. According to Yoav Kutner, co-founder of OroCommerce, “The customers from the acquiring
Technology becomes vital when creating an interface allowing the new parent company to blend and merge all pricing, purchasing, and delivery considerations without disrupting the customer experience. Dynamic user interfaces maintain the prior buying experience, permitting a smooth and seamless transition. Too often, market analysts are looking at the efficacy of the blended organization rather than the required operational functionality and execution. continued
Manufacturing Outlook / June 2022