Despite COVID-19’s overall impact, RS Group reports its 25 worldwide distribution sites were still able to obtain products relatively quickly. For example, RS opened an operations facility in Bad Hersfeld, Germany, that was doubled in size before the pandemic started. It accommodates customers, who used to conduct 61% of transactions digitally, but grew to do more online ordering they because got comfortable with it during the pandemic.
“COVID-19 accelerated customers finding and buying products online, and engineers discovering more automation and control products,” says Rashdeep Kelf, head of supplier partnerships at RS Think Hub Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). “However, they also needed guidance because many suppliers’ websites have conflicting information, which makes it time-consuming for customers to find the right solutions. This is why we developed RS Think Hub’s discovery element.”
RS Think Hub is a digital, online platform that helps engineers and other technical professionals find and buy the most appropriate products. Launched in the U.K, in 2022, it will be available in the Americas and Europe in 3Q24. RS Think Hub features a comparison tool with smart search and filtering to zero-in on the best products, and let users compare specs for different products from multiple companies, instead of focusing on supplier-specific brands. Its second section provides product pages and documentation, such as CAD files and datasheets.
“RS Think Hub provides one place for accurate information, technical assets, manuals, certificates, CAD files and other supporting materials. This one-stop-shop makes discovery and comparison much more efficient,” adds Kelf. “Think Hub also lets users access digital tools, learn about new bill of materials (BoM), and host FAQs with supplier experts. We’re even looking at using generative AI to help our technical teams deliver onsite customer support.”
Jaycee Thompson, category director for cables and connectors at RS EMEA, reports it also operates an RS Technical Solutions Center in Fort Worth, Texas. It hosts virtual meetings with RS engineers, conducts demonstrations about how to integrate components, software and systems, and provides one-on-one consulting in its demonstration lab.
“These activities let us serve as a credible partner for our customers and suppliers, and determine which core products are relevant for different audiences,” adds Thompson. “This keep us ahead of the constant technical changes we’re all facing.”
