IDEA Connector Update Introduces New Attributes, Code Sets, and Digital Assets

Distributors have spoken — they need more complete product data to better serve customers and power their digital initiatives. IDEA is thrilled to announce that these new data fields and codes are now available for manufacturers to populate! Together, manufacturers and distributors can more effectively serve their mutual customers with the most complete, consistent, and…

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AI Isn’t a Shortcut Around Bad Data: It’s a Multiplier

eBiz 2025 | October 8–10 | Nashville, TN AI has been at the center of countless conversations lately, and it’s no surprise. From order entry automation to intelligent search to personalized product recommendations, the tools now available to manufacturers and distributors are powerful and evolving fast. But as IDEA’s Denise Keating recently pointed out recently…

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Live Webinar: Turning Analytics Into Actionable Sales Intelligence

Traditional analytics can overwhelm sales and management teams with charts and dashboards, when what they really need is clarity. Enter Data Whispers – a revolutionary tool that translates complex customer data into clear, prioritized talking points. It analyzes sales, pricing, operations, and trends to create customized account playbooks and delivers insights in plain language –…

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IDEA Launches “Data Whispers” to Transform How Electrical Industry Manufacturers and Distributors Interact with Business Intelligence

IDEA announced the launch of Data Whispers, a groundbreaking solution that delivers actionable customer insights directly to electrical industry professionals—both manufacturers and distributors—at the moment they need it most. In an industry where time is money and customer relationships are paramount, Data Whispers transforms complex data analytics into simple, actionable notifications that sales representatives, branch…

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Delivering on Customer Needs: Why Mary Derrick Leads with Data

Mary Derrick, IDEA Board OfficerVice President of Power Products, Schneider Electric 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…

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IDEA Expands X-Check℠ Cross-Reference Solution to Manufacturers, Offering Seamless ERP and eCommerce Integration

Industry-leading toolset gives manufacturers powerful capabilities to convert competitive inquiries into sales ARLINGTON, VA – April 15, 2025 – IDEA, the Industry Data Exchange Association, today announced the launch of IDEA X-Check℠ for Manufacturers, extending its renowned cross-reference toolset beyond distributors to address the unique needs of manufacturers. This strategic expansion delivers a dual-purpose solution:…

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