Delivering on Customer Needs: Why Mary Derrick Leads with Data

Product data isn’t just technical details and specs—it’s the foundation of a better customer experience. That’s how Mary Derrick, Vice President of Power Products at Schneider Electric and IDEA Board member, sees it.

“To meet customer needs, we need the right data in the right places,” Mary explains. “Whether it’s designing, buying, building, or maintaining, data is at the core of every stage of the project lifecycle.”

Driving Transformation Through Data

As a leader at Schneider Electric with 16 years of experience spanning sales, marketing, digital customer experience, and channel management, Mary knows firsthand how critical data is to staying aligned with customer expectations.

“Our customers are evolving, and we need to evolve with them. Whether it’s enabling advanced analytics, leveraging BIM, or giving customers the ability to purchase at any time, data is at the core,” she emphasizes.

A Champion for the Harmonized Data Model

With Mary’s work on the Harmonized Data Model (HDM) highlights her dedication to simplifying and normalizing product data. As part of the original task force that developed HDM, she drew on her experience managing data syndication at Schneider Electric to help standardize and streamline data creation.

“HDM changes things by harmonizing the different product data standards, so manufacturers can create data once and adapt it for customers and distributors as needed.”

Mary believes HDM represents a major step forward for the industry. “When we can deliver data that is clean, consistent, and easy to use, it reduces inefficiencies and enables everyone to succeed. HDM makes the process easier, cheaper, and more efficient for manufacturers, while also helping distributors and customers make the most of the data available to them,” she explains.

Empowering the Industry to Take Control of Its Future

For Mary, IDEA’s industry ownership—through NEMA and NAED—ensures the focus stays where it belongs: on manufacturers, distributors, and end-user customers.

“Unlike third-party, for-profit companies, IDEA allows us to prioritize what’s best for the industry. It puts us in control of our own future and enables meaningful progress. IDEA is absolutely critical for our industry to evolve and succeed moving forward.”

Shaping Tomorrow

Mary Derrick’s leadership on the IDEA Board reflects her dedication to collaboration, innovation, and data transparency. She’s committed to helping manufacturers and distributors address their biggest challenges and embrace a more efficient, digital future.

Getting to Know Mary Derrick

• Digital Transformation Leader: With 16 years at Schneider Electric, Mary has led efforts in sales, marketing, digital customer experience, and channel management, giving her a broad view of the challenges and opportunities in the industry.
• Advocate for Industry Collaboration: As an original member of the Harmonized Data Model (HDM) task force, Mary has helped bridge gaps in data syndication, ensuring manufacturers, distributors, and customers can share and use data seamlessly. “HDM gives us a way to make data easy to consume, efficient to produce, and beneficial for everyone involved,” she says.
• A Passion for Progress: Mary’s experience leading data syndication efforts at Schneider Electric has made her especially passionate about IDEA’s mission. “I care deeply about the work IDEA is doing because I know how critical it is to get this right. Creating and sharing high-quality data is hard work, but it’s essential. IDEA makes that process easier, cheaper, and more efficient for everyone involved.”
• Life Outside of Work: Away from the boardroom, Mary enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, gardening, and exploring nature with her three daughters.

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