The NAED Digital Center of Excellence (DCoE) is focused on driving industry transformation through digital innovation.
Its mission is to provide education and develop solutions using cutting-edge technologies to optimize operational efficiency and improve customer experiences.
Learn more about how the Next Level Now donor community is powering the DCoE.
4/2/2025
Digital Isn’t a Department—It’s a Business Strategy
At the NAED Digital Center of Excellence, we’re focused on helping distributors turn digital from a pain point into a performance driver.
On April 2, we hosted a webinar—“From Resistance to Results: Integrating Digital into Your Business for Unified Commerce Success”—where I had the opportunity to moderate a discussion with Denis Clifford (Virto Commerce) and Jacobi Zakrzewski (Luminos Labs).
We looked at practical ways distributors can:
🔹 Align digital with operational and growth goals
🔹 Bridge offline and online customer experiences
🔹 Modernize product offerings with digital capabilities
🔹 Build internal buy-in by showing real business results
Our takeaway? The most successful transformations are led with clarity, championed from the top, and grounded in how distributors actually work.
Thank you to Virto Commerce for supporting this effort—and to the many NAED members already pushing the boundaries of what digital can do for our channel.
3-31-2025
Next Level Now Donor Update — Call Recap from Scott Wagner
Thank you for your participation in our Next Level Now Donor call today. Here is a link to the recording of the call.
I appreciate the engaging discussions and valuable insights shared. Below is a brief recap of the key points covered:
● Update on donations, and spend so far.● The “Where’s my stuff?” project is well underway
● 78 interviews complete as of 3/30
● June 12th update meeting (save the date sent to attendees)
● Lots of activity & conversation on the topic of AI:
● Applied AI whitepaper & video
● NAED LLM (investigating now)
● Workforce topics
● NAED Mini Tech Conference
● The DCoE website went live in January: https://www.naed.org/dcoe
● Join the Innovators Huddle at the National Meeting (Tue 5/20 at 2:15 PM)
We look forward to continuing our work together to drive these initiatives forward and planning our Q2-2025 Next Level Now Donor Update call soon.
As I mentioned during our call, we have found a great deal of value in engaging in calls and meetings with you and your teams. Let’s continue and expand those conversations.
3/26/2025
Great Conversations at United Electric Supply!
A big thank you to Anthony Buonocore, Eric Slemmer, Montana Nuble, MBA, CLTD, Susan Reiss Kerner, and Alexandra Hennigar for welcoming Banu Ozkaya-Akbay and me during our visit. Your generosity in sharing time and insights—especially around AI applications—was invaluable as we continue shaping the NAED Digital Center of Excellence (DCoE) to better support the industry.
Our discussions spanned key industry challenges and opportunities, including:
🔹 Operations & Warehousing – Exploring WMS, slotting strategies, incentive programs, and the power of quality volumetric data. We also discussed the impact of automation solutions including cube/grid ASRS and how focusing on material positioning can enhance picking efficiency.
📊 Analytics & Performance Measurement – From data visualization preferences to Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts, we covered ways to track performance beyond traditional metrics. Composite KPIs, volume-based benchmarks, and efficiency measures all play a role in driving operational success and measurement that avoids distortion from inflationary effect.
🤖 AI at United – It was exciting to hear how United is leveraging AI, the challenges faced, and the impact on employee efficiency and training. Your approach provides valuable insights into the industry’s AI evolution.
We also had the chance to share updates on the NAED DCoE’s work and “Where’s My Stuff?”—a topic resonating across the industry.
Also great seeing Becky Starkey & George Vorwick to wrap up the day!!
Thank you again, United Electric, for the engaging discussion. Looking forward to staying connected and continuing to learn from one another!
I should mention how much I enjoyed meeting Banu’s family and the new friend I made in their dog, Tucker!
3/5/2025
Reimagining Efficiency: How AI is Transforming Order Entry at State Electric Supply
Artificial intelligence is often surrounded by hype, but for some electrical distributors, it’s already driving real improvements. This success story highlights how State Electric Supply partnered with Infor to implement an AI-powered Product Recommender—a tool that enhances order entry, improves efficiency, and supports both experienced and new sales reps in making better product recommendations.
In a conversation with John Spoor, owner of State Electric Supply, he shares the journey of implementing AI, overcoming skepticism, and seeing tangible business benefits. The discussion was so insightful that we’re making the full video available for anyone interested in hearing the story directly from John.
🎥 Watch John’s firsthand account
2/19/2025
Banu and I had the privilege of leading the Innovators Huddle roundtable discussions at the NAED Eastern Regional Conference, where we explored the evolving role of AI in electrical distribution. The conversations were engaging, thought-provoking, and reinforced the importance of cross-industry collaboration as we navigate the rapidly shifting tech landscape.
💡 Where Are We Now?
AI adoption varies widely across the industry—some are experimenting, others are piloting, and a few have already implemented AI-driven solutions. We discussed barriers to adoption, from data readiness to organizational buy-in, and the opportunities AI presents for optimizing supply chains, sales, and back-office functions.
👥 AI’s Impact on Talent & Workforce Development
AI is accelerating learning, reshaping job roles, and creating new training needs. Participants shared insights on assessing skills, upskilling/reskilling their teams, and overcoming resistance to AI adoption. Balancing efficiency gains with workforce engagement will be critical moving forward.
⚡ Competitive Disruption & Industry Readiness
Tech-first companies are leveraging AI to redefine logistics, customer experience, and decision-making. Our group explored potential disruptions and how distributors can remain competitive by prioritizing the right technologies and strategies.
The key takeaway? Experimentation and learning lead to understanding—and understanding helps prioritize the right opportunities to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Let’s keep the conversation going and work together to shape the future of our industry! A huge THANK YOU to all who participated in the session!
1/31/2025
Reflections on a Valuable Week in Nashville: AI, Supply Chain, and Industry Collaboration
Representing the NAED Digital Center of Excellence, Banu Ozkaya-Akbay and I had a fantastic trip to Nashville, meeting with teams from Mayer, Schneider Electric, and JMA Group to discuss everything from counter sales and supply chain management to AI adoption and industry collaboration. These conversations reinforced both the challenges and the exciting opportunities ahead for the electrical industry.
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At Mayer, we observed firsthand how counter, inside, quotations, and outside sales teams operate—and the impact AI could have on their efficiency. A standout moment was seeing outside sales reps light up when they realized how AI tools can streamline product identification. We also had eye-opening discussions about how long it takes for new associates to become truly effective. That’s a major workforce challenge: accelerating the path to expertise is critical. AI and better tools can help reduce friction, improve retention, and free up people to focus on higher-value interactions. (Image left to right: Banu Ozkaya-Akbay, Jason Baggett, Scott Wagner)
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At Schneider, we took a deep dive into supply chain dynamics, demand planning, and logistics. Discussions with the Control Tower and Glass Factory teams reinforced the progress made in shipment tracking but also the continued challenges of integrating data to stakeholders across the supply chain. (Image: Banu Ozkaya-Akbay, Scott Wagner)
🔹 At JMA Group we explored how this team is embracing AI. Their proactive approach to change management and digital adoption stood out. They’re leading by example, involving frontline associates in the transition and experimenting with new ways to bring AI into their workflows. It was impressive to see a relatively small team using their agility to experiment, learn, and take next steps to drive improvement.
Across all our meetings, one theme was loud and clear: collaboration is key. That’s why industry-wide partnerships like the NAED, NECA, NEMA, and NEMRA Alliance are so important. We saw strong alignment around the need for better supply chain visibility—which is exactly what the “Where’s my stuff?” project aims to tackle.
Looking ahead, it’s clear that AI, stronger industry collaboration, and better data-sharing will define the future of our space. Excited to keep these conversations going!
12-10-2024
Executive Summary: Digital Transformation in Warehouse Operations Webinar
The webinar hosted by the Eclipse User Group brought together industry experts to explore the transformative power of digital technology in warehouse operations. Scott Wagner - Director of Industry Transformation at NAED, Perry Hoover - Senior Director of PMO at Rise Now, and moderator David Mascitto –Senior Manager Project Marketing at Tecsys shared their insights on how leveraging advanced technologies can revolutionize supply chain processes and address the increasing demands of today’s marketplace.
The discussion began with defining digital transformation, which was described as the integration of technologies such as Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), IoT, AI, and robotics to optimize processes. These tools are critical in enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and visibility, particularly as businesses strive to meet rising customer expectations and adapt to market disruptions. The panelists emphasized that the core of digital transformation lies in its ability to make operations adaptable and competitive.
Addressing the challenges warehouses face, Perry Hoover highlighted the frequent issues caused by inaccurate inventory data and inefficient manual processes. Without real-time tracking, businesses risk inventory loss, backorders, and missed fulfillment promises, all of which erode customer satisfaction and profitability. The panel discussed how digital systems, such as automated barcode readers and AI-driven tools, can alleviate these problems by improving inventory accuracy and streamlining operations.
One of the key topics was how supply chain leaders can justify the return on investment (ROI) for transformation projects to stakeholders. Scott Wagner emphasized the importance of tying technological investments to improved customer performance, sales support, and operational dependability. He also noted that eliminating hidden costs, such as rework, errors, and other inefficiencies, often reveal the true value of digital solutions. By reducing dependency on manual decisions and enhancing repeatability, businesses can achieve not only cost savings but also long-term reliability and growth.
The panelists explored the ingredients for a successful digital transformation. They stressed the need for thorough planning and collaboration, involving both management and frontline workers to identify pain points and future requirements. Perry highlighted the importance of documenting current processes ("as-is") and defining clear goals ("to-be") to guide implementation. The choice of technology was another critical factor, with scalability, user-experience, and strong vendor support being essential considerations.
Looking ahead, the panelists shared their vision for the future of warehouse operations. AI and machine learning are expected to play a central role in predictive analytics and process optimization, while cloud-based WMS solutions are gaining popularity for their flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Robotics and low-code customization tools are also emerging as key trends, enabling employees to focus on higher-value tasks and driving continuous improvements in efficiency and accuracy.
The session concluded with a reminder that digital transformation is not a one-time effort but an ongoing journey. Businesses must commit to continuous improvement and optimization, even after systems are implemented. By aligning technology investments with strategic goals and involving employees in the process, companies can build a culture of innovation and adaptability.
12-6-2024
The "Where’s My Stuff?" project kickoff workshop, held on December 4, 2024, at the Grand Hyatt DFW Airport, marked a significant milestone for NAED and the electrical industry. This highly successful event brought together approximately 35 attendees, including outstanding representation from the Next Level Now Donor community and a few special guests.
NAED President & CEO Wes Smith opened the session by welcoming participants and emphasizing the importance of this groundbreaking initiative.
The day began with a Contractor Context Setting discussion led by Gael Pirlot (Inglett & Stubbs) and Josh Bone (Electri). This session provided invaluable customer perspectives on how scheduling information is critical to the execution of construction projects. The interactive Q&A session that followed further enriched the discussion.
The workshop then transitioned into introductions and facilitation by Jeremy and Russ from Bessemer Alliance, who led participants through dynamic activities, including:
- • Why Are We Here?
- • Value Chain Exploration
- • Stakeholder Identification
The level of engagement from the group was extraordinary, as industry leaders collaborated to address shared challenges and opportunities. The energy in the room was electric as participants brainstormed and aligned on the need for an integrated, transparent supply chain process.
The meeting concluded with a powerful Commitment Context Setting discussion, reaffirming the mission to move away from manual, resource-intensive practices toward a seamless, integrated flow of information across the supply chain. The ultimate goal? To empower the industry to enhance productivity, improve access to critical data, and achieve peak performance—staving off disruption from potential new entrants seeking to address this issue.
One of the workshop's key takeaways was a call to action: access to frontline stakeholders within each represented company. These individuals, integral to the day-to-day operations of the supply chain, will play a crucial role in shaping actionable insights through upcoming research interviews.
This event was truly unprecedented. Rarely, if ever, has the industry united so many leaders in one room to tackle a singular issue collaboratively. The workshop not only laid a solid foundation for this transformative project but also underscored the collective commitment to achieving an industry-wide solution.
We’re excited to build on this momentum in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for updates as we engage with stakeholders and advance this critical initiative!
11-1-2024
The “Where’s My Stuff?” project is a collaborative electrical industry “supply-chain” visibility effort. Electrical industry association participants include the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), and the National Electrical Manufacturers Representatives Association (NEMRA). The effort is led and funded by the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) through its Digital Center of Excellence (DCoE). The goal is to improve supply chain transparency and efficiency across the electrical industry through the creation of required data definitions and standards, along with real-time communication methods that enable seamless access to real-time information, revolutionizing how orders are tracked, managed, and communicated throughout the supply chain—between manufacturers to distributors, manufacturers’ representatives, and end-user customers.
The Problem
• Tracking electrical equipment through the supply chain currently depends on manual information gathering, causing inefficiencies and delays.
• Unlike industries like food delivery or ridesharing, where real-time tracking is standard, the electrical industry lacks comparable visibility, creating uncertainty, labor deployment, and project management challenges.
• Today’s supply chain has approached the problem by attempting to build point-to-point data exchanges. Given the vast number of stakeholders—including manufacturers, distributors, manufacturers’ representatives, and customers—this approach is inefficient and unsustainable.
• The current supply chain model is labor-intensive and fragmented, limiting access to critical scheduling and tracking information. This results in delayed project execution, reduced productivity, an inability to meet customer demands, increasing undue risk across all stakeholders. Additionally, this lack of transparency leaves the industry vulnerable to disruption by emerging players offering more integrated solutions.
The Solution and Expected Outcomes
The “Where’s My Stuff?” project is designed to address the challenges by replacing manual, brute-force efforts with an event-driven, real-time, seamless flow of information across the supply chain. This transformation will empower companies to optimize their operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and strengthen the industry’s competitive position.
Value Proposition
• Enhanced Supply Chain Visibility: Real-time data access for all stakeholders.
• Streamlined Processes: Reduced inefficiencies caused by manual workflows.
• Empowered Frontline Employees: Improved tools and access to actionable information.
• Boosted Productivity: Better outcomes for contractors and customers.
• Industry Resilience: A stronger competitive position, safeguarding against disruption from new entrants.
Deliverables
The “Where’s My Stuff?” project will produce an industry framework and standard for sharing supply chain information digitally. This framework will serve as the benchmark for providers to develop software solutions that support seamless execution of the standard.
Key deliverables include:
• A clearly defined set of data standards and communication protocols to enable real-time information sharing across the supply chain.
• A “blueprint” for technology providers to create tools that align with the framework, ensuring interoperability and widespread adoption.
• Tools and methods to grant stakeholders access to critical, real-time data for better decision-making.
• A unified approach that connects manufacturers, distributors, representatives, and customers to streamline processes.
These deliverables aim to transform the electrical industry’s supply chain by providing clarity, efficiency, and resilience while reducing risks and enhancing customer satisfaction.
What Do We Need From You?
Success of the “Where’s My Stuff?” project requires access to the people directly involved in the day-to-day order processes within your company—those who are hands-on in the “chain of custody” for each order. These individuals hold critical insights into pain points and opportunities, which will shape the development of a solution that works for everyone in the value chain.
This project presents a rare opportunity for manufacturers, distributors, manufacturers’ representatives, and contractors to collaborate on a shared vision that will transform the industry. By granting access to your team members and supporting their participation, you’ll contribute to a sustainable, industry-wide solution that benefits all stakeholders and, most importantly, the customer.
To download this report as a pdf, click here.
For more information, reach out to Scott Wagner, NAED's Director of Industry Transformation by scanning the QR code below.
You can also email Scott at SWagner@naed.org.