This has been a tremendous year for the promotional products industry and the companies that work within it. PPAI Media is looking back on 2022’s most impactful news and trends in a four-part series on the stories that shaped the industry over the past year. In the series’ second entry, we share highlights and stories documenting the digital transformation of the promo industry, its clients and the Association.
Click through to this year’s top digital transformation articles.
All Systems Go: The Distributor Tech Arms Race
The largest distributors in promotional products are dueling in a technology arms race. But there are paths for small and mid-size companies to compete on the defining battleground of the industry’s future.
- The right technology platform allows sales teams to work with minimal friction, close more deals, decrease overhead costs, suffer fewer headaches and enjoy greater success.
- With off-the-shelf and customization options available, business management technology platforms can be tailored to meet the needs of industry companies large and small.
- Several service providers already work with the promo industry to help companies meet their enterprise resource planning needs.
PPAI Launches Oracle NetSuite Program For PPAI Members
In support of its commitment to creating greater value for its members and driving digital transformation in the industry, in September PPAI launched a program that gives its members access to Oracle NetSuite, a cloud ERP system.
- Supplier and distributor members will have discounted access to Oracle NetSuite through its agreement with PPAI. Members considering NetSuite as a business management system will receive preferred pricing on new subscription services.
- Association members will also be offered networking opportunities with fellow NetSuite users as part of PPAI’s Industry User Group.
Will The Decline of Social Media Marketing Continue?
Statistics show the power of social media marketing may be waning. A data-based marketing expert explains the causes and how the promotional products industry stands to benefit.
- Why is the effectiveness of social media wearing thin? Possibly fatigue and polarization. More and more people would admit to associating social media with an “addiction.” While that may be good for social media platforms, it’s not ideal for those using it to market their brands.
- There is a growing stigma surrounding the practice of tracking users’ data.
PPAI Hosts Business Services Firms For A “Digital Dialogue”
Representatives from leading business services firms came together at PPAI headquarters in May to discuss how to collaborate on “frictionless” dealings for industry distributors, suppliers and end buyers.
- Discussions covered issues facing suppliers, distributors, and end buyers, opportunities for collaboration, as well as what digital transformations need to happen within the promotional products industry to avoid inefficiency as technology and customer expectations evolve.
- PPAI hopes to expand the access and impact of business services firms’ membership in the Association.
PPAI’s Push For Industry Digital Transformation Begins
A May town hall featuring top promo business and technology service providers started to define what the integrated future of the promotional products marketplace should look like.
- Turning digital transformation from an industry term into actionable methods, processes and results is a front-facing mission for PPAI.
- The Association has committed to working with business and technology services firms to facilitate the necessary advancements.
More Trending Digital Transformation Articles From 2022
You Can’t Touch This: Can NFTs Really Be Promotional Products?
Let’s Get Phygital: Selling Real-World Products In The Metaverse
Digital Transformation Goals Require Proper Planning And Executive Support
How The Atlanta Braves Incorporated NFTs With Their World Series Rings
PPAI, Facilisgroup Discuss Advancing Technology And Open Standards
