SUMMER 2019

120 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S

120 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK Product Genius Technology Aims to Fast Track Fastener Distributor’s & Manufacturer’s eCommerce Capabilities Continued from page 8 Many years ago, we realized that eCommerce would be a changing force in the supply chain. We knew it would only be a matter of time before industrial suppliers would be selling through online channels as well. In 1999 we launched our first website HudsonFasteners.com. In preparing to launch our eCommerce store we recognized a few big problems all industrial suppliers would face due to the complexity of product categories and the large volume of catalog data. The idea was born from our desire to fix the problems we had identified and provide clients with the best online buying experience possible. and so, we began visualizing how we could solve the problem that distributors, manufacturers and online retailers would face in translating their data and product catalogs into a visual representation that is easy to use and is accurately displayed. We became a portfolio company at the Youngstown Business Incubator and began the development of our eCommerce platform. We set out to create a differentiated customer experience for buying fasteners online. We had identified the problem when translating complex products and large volume catalogs for industrial suppliers and so we created a solution that would eliminate the need for filtering options that ultimately leads to poor customer experience, bounce rates and average order values. We succeeded in creating the solution for selling fasteners and industrial supplies online. When we saw how powerful the technology was we knew that it would be better served if others could use it. Product Genius Technology is the new standard for complex product categories in eCommerce, making possible the B2C buying experience B2B buyers are now demanding. When did your new patent issue? We were very excited to have received our second patent for Product Genius Technology in May 2019. This confirms that what we have developed has great potential to change the way data and eCommerce is displayed and transacted. The patent was issued for: Systems, Methods, Servers, & Clients for Inventory Exchange: Relates to a system and method for facilitating efficient product search and identification. The Product Genius Technology eCommerce customer experience streamlines, simplifies and expedites the ordering of industrial supplies, for procurement professionals, engineers and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) personnel. What is an example of how this works? Product Genius’s brand-new technology allows companies to quickly prepare data and convert to a streamlined eCommerce store that allows clients to shop complex product categories from a one page buying experience. Provides clients the comfort of the industrial supply catalog in an intuitive, easy-to-use digital format. PGT is responsive out of the box and works across all devices. The Product Genius Technology (PGT) eCommerce platform enables retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers, and distributors to electronically present their catalogue of products to buyers. Product Genius Technology allows clients to dynamically load, view and purchase 100’s or 1000’s of items from a product category, all from a one page buying experience, eliminating the need for a multitude of search filters. PGT is responsive out of the box and works on all devices, mobile, tablet, etc. BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 121 Product Genius Technology Aims to Fast Track Fastener Distributor’s & Manufacturer’s eCommerce Capabilities Where can we see the technology today? We have a demo site set up at 1800Fasteners.com. Tell us about your new Technology Partnership Product Genius Technology (PGT) announced a partnership with BigCommerce to help companies execute their digital transformation. Product Genius Technology will now offer BigCommerce clients an eCommerce platform solution that provides the comfort of the industrial supply catalog format in an intuitive, easy-to-use digital format. BigCommerce is the leading ecommerce platform for fastgrowing B2B and mid-market brands. Will Product Genius Technology be available for use on other industry technology platforms? Yes, coming soon. Product Genius Technology can work with any eCommerce platform. In the future we will make this technology available. We’re exploring ways to best serve the distributors and manufacturers. What are next steps for distribution of the eCommerce technology? We are exploring strategic partnerships that will assist us distribute this technology to larger audiences. How do I find out more about Product Genius Technology? Find us here - we look forward to hearing from you! See demo: 1800FASTENERS.COM Say hello: 1-800-FASTENERS App Store: BigCommerce Twitter: @ProductGenius1 PRODUCT GENIUS BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE