Many B2B distributors recognize the need for digital transformation but struggle to see tangible benefits. Despite investing in eCommerce platforms and ERP systems, they often face challenges such as:
If these roadblocks sound familiar, you’re not alone. Fortunately, the partnership between Aktion Associates and Unilog offers a powerful solution to help distributors unlock the true potential of digital commerce and drive revenue growth.
How Aktion Associates and Unilog Solve the Digital Commerce Puzzle
One of the biggest hurdles in B2B digital transformation is the lack of integration between eCommerce platforms and ERP systems. Aktion Associates, a leading provider of IT solutions for distributors, partners with Unilog to bridge this gap.
One of the biggest myths in B2B eCommerce is that a digital platform will replace sales reps. In reality, digital commerce empowers sales teams and improves customer relationships.
A major reason why many B2B eCommerce platforms fail is a poor user experience. Unilog solves this by delivering a B2C-like shopping experience tailored for B2B needs:
With Aktion Associates’ expertise and Unilog’s cutting-edge technology, distributors can harness AI and automation to improve efficiency and customer experience.
To ensure digital transformation success, it’s critical to track the right metrics. The Aktion-Unilog partnership helps distributors define and measure key KPIs, including:
Real-World Success: How Distributors Are Winning with Aktion & Unilog
Distributors across industries have transformed their businesses with the Aktion Associates and Unilog partnership. Here are a few examples of real-world impact:
✅ A national industrial supplier increased online sales by 300% within six months after launching a fully integrated eCommerce platform with Unilog and Aktion’s ERP expertise.
✅ A wholesale electrical distributor reduced order processing times by 40% by automating workflows and leveraging AI-powered recommendations.
✅ A building materials distributor improved customer retention by 25% by offering a seamless self-service ordering experience and personalized product suggestions.
The Future of B2B eCommerce is Here—Are You Ready?
Digital transformation is no longer optional—it’s a competitive necessity. With the right technology, strategy, and support, B2B distributors can successfully transition to a digital-first model without losing the personal touch that sets them apart.
Don’t let outdated systems and fragmented digital strategies hold you back. Contact us today and take the first step toward a smarter, more profitable B2B commerce future!
The distribution industry is evolving rapidly, making eCommerce a necessity for B2B success. Distributors must embrace digital transformation to meet customer expectations and stay competitive. Here are the top trends shaping B2B eCommerce in 2025—and how Aktion Associates and Unilog can help you stay ahead.
Distributors are leveraging platforms like Amazon Business and Alibaba but need to maintain control over pricing and customer data.
B2B buyers expect AI-driven product recommendations and tailored experiences.
Customers engage across multiple channels and expect a frictionless experience.
Buyers prefer self-service over speaking with sales reps.
Automated reordering boosts loyalty and revenue.
Same-day and next-day delivery are becoming standard.
Real-time pricing optimization maximizes profitability.
Flexible payment solutions like BNPL, digital wallets, and ACH improve cash flow.
B2B buyers prioritize eco-friendly and sustainable business practices.
Disconnected systems cause inefficiencies and lost revenue.
Future-Proof Your ECommerce Strategy
ECommerce is essential for distributors aiming to scale and stay competitive. With Unilog’s advanced B2B eCommerce platform and Aktion’s ERP expertise, you can optimize efficiency, improve customer experience, and drive revenue growth.
Boost your eCommerce strategy today. Contact Aktion Associates to learn how Unilog and Infor CloudSuite Distribution can future-proof your business.
The Role of Cloud Hosting in Construction
Accessing data, applications, and resources from anywhere in the construction industry is a game-changer. Cloud hosting provides flexible, scalable, and secure infrastructure tailored to meet the needs of companies that spend most of their time out of the office. With the potential to reduce costs, improve collaboration, and streamline operations, cloud hosting has become a critical tool for businesses looking to stay competitive and agile in a rapidly evolving landscape. Construction companies need reliable access to project data, inventory systems, and team collaboration tools like other industries. Cloud hosting provides a centralized, accessible, and secure data storage and application hosting environment.
Here’s how cloud hosting benefits the construction industry:
1. Centralized Data Access for Seamless Collaboration
One of the biggest challenges construction companies face is managing the vast amounts of data that drive projects, production schedules, inventory, and client orders. Cloud hosting centralizes data, enabling employees to access real-time information from any device, whether in an office or on a construction site. This access keeps everyone on the same page and reduces costly errors, allowing teams to work with the most up-to-date information.
2. Enhanced Collaboration Across Locations
Construction companies often collaborate with multiple stakeholders, from designers and engineers to suppliers and subcontractors. With cloud hosting, teams can instantly access files, share updates, and collaborate in real-time. This seamless collaboration reduces delays, minimizes miscommunication, and enhances team productivity.
3. Scalability to Meet Project and Production Demands
Having scalable infrastructure is essential in industries where project demands can change quickly. Cloud hosting allows construction companies to scale resources up or down based on real-time needs. This may mean adding server space before a major project. This scalability ensures businesses pay only for what they need when they need it, making it a cost-effective solution that adapts to demand fluctuations.
4. Cost Savings with Reduced IT Overhead
Maintaining on-premises servers can be costly, requiring significant upfront investments, ongoing maintenance, and dedicated IT staff. Cloud hosting eliminates these expenses by shifting infrastructure management to the cloud provider. Construction companies benefit from predictable monthly costs, reducing capital expenditure and allocating resources to other business-critical initiatives.
Cloud hosting also reduces the costs associated with physical documentation, paper trails, and file storage, further streamlining operations and freeing up budgets for growth.
5. Built-In Security and Reliable Backup Systems
Data security and integrity are paramount for any company. With sensitive information on projects, client data, and proprietary designs, the construction industry requires robust security protocols. Cloud hosting providers offer built-in security features like encryption, firewalls, and multi-factor authentication, protecting data from unauthorized access. Regular backups ensure that critical information can be recovered in case of a system outage or security breach, supporting compliance and risk management efforts.
6. Remote Monitoring and Smart Operations
Cloud hosting opens the door to advanced technologies like remote monitoring and IoT (Internet of Things) integration, which are highly valuable in running a business. Construction teams can monitor project progress and equipment status. By leveraging IoT and cloud capabilities, companies can make proactive decisions to reduce downtime, increase efficiency, and avoid potential issues before they arise.
Future-Proofing Construction with Cloud Hosting
As the construction industry grows more complex, the technology that supports it must evolve. Cloud hosting enables companies to future-proof their operations, staying agile and adaptable as new challenges arise. By centralizing data, enhancing security, and facilitating seamless collaboration, cloud hosting helps companies in the sector to remain competitive and responsive to changing market demands.
Discover Cloud Hosting Solutions with Aktion Associates
At Aktion Associates, we understand the unique needs of the construction industry and offer cloud-hosting solutions specifically designed to support growth and operational efficiency. Our cloud hosting services provide the flexibility, security, and performance required to keep your business moving forward.
Contact us today to learn more about how cloud hosting can drive your business’s success. Let’s build a brighter future together.
In the complex world of distribution, efficiency and precision are crucial. Companies must keep up with an increasing demand for products, manage vast inventories, and adapt to new market trends—all while maintaining profitability. This is where an industry-specific ERP system becomes a game-changer for distributors. Unlike generic solutions, these tailored systems provide unique capabilities designed to meet the specific needs of the distribution sector.
Understanding Industry-Specific ERP Solutions
Industry-specific ERPs are tailored software solutions that cater specifically to the unique needs of a particular industry. In the context of distribution, these systems come with pre-configured features that address common challenges faced by distributors. They incorporate functionalities that are often absent in generic ERP systems, allowing companies to streamline their operations and improve efficiency.
If you’re looking for a new ERP, you should keep a couple of things in mind, such as:
By investing in a solution designed for their unique needs, distributors can streamline operations, improve efficiency, and achieve long-term success. With the right ERP system, distributors can unlock new possibilities, seize opportunities, and build a future-ready business.
For those ready to take the next step, exploring industry-specific ERP solutions is a critical move towards achieving operational excellence and maintaining a competitive edge.
In today’s fast-paced distribution landscape, staying competitive requires not only meeting customer demands but also doing so with speed, accuracy, and efficiency. The key to achieving this lies in leveraging cutting-edge technology like Infor CloudSuite Distribution and artificial intelligence (AI). Together, these tools are revolutionizing how distributors process orders, reduce errors, and improve customer satisfaction. Here’s how they can make a difference for your business.
1. Automated Order Entry and Processing
Manual order entry is time-consuming and error-prone, often resulting in bottlenecks that slow down fulfillment and increase operational costs. With Infor CloudSuite Distribution, AI-powered automation can streamline this process by capturing data from multiple channels—whether it’s through EDI, email, or web-based portals—and automatically inputting it into the system. AI ensures that orders are categorized, processed, and assigned to the right teams without human intervention, significantly reducing errors and saving valuable time.
2. Improved Demand Forecasting
Distributors often struggle with maintaining the right inventory levels. Stock-outs lead to lost sales, while overstocking ties up capital and storage space. AI integrated into Infor CloudSuite Distribution offers advanced demand forecasting capabilities, analyzing historical sales data, market trends, and customer behavior to predict future demand. This helps distributors maintain optimal inventory levels, ensuring orders are fulfilled on time without overburdening warehouse space or budget.
3. Faster Fulfillment with Optimized Routing
AI can transform the way distributors handle logistics. By analyzing multiple variables such as customer location, order urgency, and shipping costs, AI algorithms within Infor CloudSuite Distribution can recommend the most efficient shipping routes and methods. This leads to faster delivery times, reduced shipping costs, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
4. Reduced Order Errors
Errors in order fulfillment—whether due to incorrect product selection, quantity mismatch, or wrong shipping addresses—can have costly repercussions. AI-driven quality checks within Infor CloudSuite Distribution help reduce these errors by identifying discrepancies in real-time. These automated checks ensure that orders are accurate before they leave the warehouse, leading to fewer returns, happier customers, and improved profitability.
5. Enhanced Customer Communication
In the age of instant gratification, customers expect real-time updates on their orders. AI-powered systems can automatically send notifications about order status, delays, or issues, ensuring transparency and proactive communication. This not only builds trust with customers but also reduces the workload on customer service teams.
6. Data-Driven Decision Making
Infor CloudSuite Distribution provides distributors with a wealth of data, from sales trends to operational performance. AI enhances this by analyzing large datasets to provide actionable insights, such as identifying inefficiencies in the order processing workflow, predicting future bottlenecks, or highlighting opportunities for improvement. These insights empower distributors to make informed decisions that can streamline operations and improve overall business performance.
7. Scalability and Flexibility
As your distribution business grows, so do the complexities of managing orders. AI within Infor CloudSuite Distribution offers scalable solutions that can handle increasing order volumes without a corresponding increase in manual labor. The flexibility of cloud-based systems also means that you can access and manage your order processing workflows from anywhere, ensuring business continuity in any situation.
Conclusion
Leveraging the powerful combination of Infor CloudSuite Distribution and AI can streamline your order processing from start to finish. By automating routine tasks, improving accuracy, and offering valuable insights, these technologies enable distributors to operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. In an industry where margins are tight and customer expectations are high, adopting these tools can provide a significant competitive edge.
Is your distribution business ready to take the next step in operational efficiency? Explore how Infor CloudSuite Distribution and AI can revolutionize your order processing today!
The construction industry is increasingly becoming a prime target for cyberattacks, driven by the extensive use of third-party suppliers, vast amounts of personal data, and the significant financial stakes involved in projects. Despite clear warning signs that appear all too frequently in the media, many companies in the industry still view cybersecurity as an afterthought. We have found that this is largely because most business owners don’t see their data as being particularly valuable to threat actors, not considering that it is exactly as valuable as whatever they would be willing to pay to get it back.
Safeguarding Information and Enhancing End-User Behavior
The cornerstone of cybersecurity in construction remains the tried-and-true practices of information security and end-user behavior. Given the sensitive data involved—from contractor and investor information to supplier details—everyone in the construction process must understand and follow regulatory and cybersecurity best practices. This awareness helps prevent data breaches caused by malicious actors and unintentional mistakes or accidentally deleting or failing to archive emails that could be needed for litigation or defense.
Securing the Supply Chain
Managing a construction supply chain involves many subcontractors and suppliers exchanging digital information alongside physical goods and services. This digital exchange extends beyond the obvious players to include essential service providers, like email and accounting software companies.
Cyberattacks on your suppliers can be as harmful as those targeting your business, providing a backdoor for threats to infiltrate your organization. To mitigate this risk, it’s essential to implement robust cybersecurity measures when collaborating with suppliers and partners. Some spooky wisdom from days past… “Trust No One.”
Begin by mapping out your entire supply chain and identifying the highest-risk vendors. Understand their security protocols and ensure your contracts clearly outline each party’s security responsibilities.
Cyber Insurance: A Reactive Measure
While cyber insurance is often included in the cost of a construction project, it’s primarily a reactive measure, focusing on financial mitigation rather than prevention. Even with insurance, breaches that leak personally identifiable information (PII) or other sensitive data online can cause significant project delays. It’s also important to note that having a policy comes with implementing proactive safeguard measures to align with the policy requirements.
Next Steps: Partnering with Aktion for Cybersecurity Excellence
Partnering with a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) like Aktion can make all the difference in effectively addressing cybersecurity challenges in the construction industry. You’ll want to ensure your technology partner has the expertise to bridge knowledge gaps, ensure any required compliance, and streamline data management across your organization, ultimately strengthening your cybersecurity posture.
At Aktion, our Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services are designed to prevent and contain threats within large environments, minimizing potential damage. Our expertise extends to protecting sensitive data, implementing, continually auditing, and testing the most effective security measures. This includes Vulnerability Management as a Service (VMaaS), which ensures your digital assets are fortified against malicious actors.
Aktion’s holistic approach to cyber threat management enables us to assess, manage, and advise on potential risk exposure. We offer custom network and infrastructure hardening plans and maturity roadmaps tailored to your business, helping you advance your cybersecurity controls at every stage.
With Aktion on your side, you can rest assured that compromises and data exposures are challenges you’ll never have to face alone. Are you eager to strengthen your cybersecurity?
Contact one of our experts today.
Aktion Cybersecurity Team • 2024
Data breaches can have devastating consequences for businesses, affecting both their finances and reputation. At the Cybersecurity Awareness Summit 2024, we will delve into the true cost of data breaches and discuss how to mitigate these risks.
The financial impact of a data breach can be substantial. According to recent studies, the average cost of a data breach in the United States is over $8 million. This cost includes a range of expenses, from immediate response efforts to long-term reputational damage. When a breach occurs, businesses must invest in forensic investigations to determine the extent of the compromise and identify the cause. This often requires hiring external experts and deploying specialized tools, which can be costly.
In addition to the direct costs, businesses may face regulatory fines and legal fees. Many industries are subject to strict data protection regulations, such as GDPR or HIPAA, which mandate specific security measures and reporting requirements. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in significant fines. Furthermore, affected customers or partners may pursue legal action, leading to additional legal expenses and potential settlements.
Operational disruption is another significant cost associated with data breaches. When a breach occurs, businesses often need to shut down systems or limit access to contain the incident and prevent further damage. This disruption can lead to lost revenue, particularly for organizations that rely heavily on online transactions or digital services. The time and resources required to restore normal operations and ensure the integrity of systems can further exacerbate the financial impact.
Beyond the immediate financial costs, data breaches can cause long-lasting reputational damage. Customers, partners, and stakeholders expect businesses to protect their data, and a breach can erode trust and confidence. News of a breach can spread quickly, particularly with the rise of social media, leading to negative publicity and damaged brand reputation. Rebuilding trust and repairing reputational damage often requires significant investment in public relations and marketing efforts.
The loss of customer trust can also have a direct impact on revenue. Customers who lose confidence in a business’s ability to protect their data may take their business elsewhere, leading to lost sales and diminished customer loyalty. Attracting new customers can become more challenging as potential clients may be wary of associating with a business that has experienced a data breach.
To mitigate these risks, businesses must invest in robust cybersecurity measures. This includes implementing comprehensive security policies and procedures, investing in advanced security technologies, and providing ongoing training for employees. Regular security assessments and audits can help identify vulnerabilities and ensure that security measures are effective.
At the Cybersecurity Awareness Summit 2024, experts will discuss strategies to prevent data breaches and minimize their impact. Attendees will learn about the latest tools and techniques for detecting and responding to incidents, as well as best practices for protecting sensitive data.
Protect your business from costly data breaches – secure your spot at the summit today!
Every organization has vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals. Understanding and addressing these weaknesses is crucial to protecting your data and systems. In our Cybersecurity Awareness Summit 2024, we will discuss common security weaknesses and provide practical tips on how to fortify your defenses.
One of the most prevalent security weaknesses is the use of weak passwords. Despite the widespread awareness of password security, many employees still use easily guessable passwords or reuse passwords across multiple accounts. This practice makes it easier for cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems and data. To mitigate this risk, businesses should implement strong password policies, require multi-factor authentication (MFA), and provide regular training on password best practices.
Outdated software is another common security weakness. Many cyberattacks exploit known vulnerabilities in software that has not been updated with the latest security patches. Organizations must establish a robust patch management process to ensure that all software, including operating systems and applications, is regularly updated. Automated patch management tools can help streamline this process and reduce the risk of human error.
Phishing attacks, which we discussed earlier, are also a significant security weakness. Cybercriminals use phishing emails to trick employees into revealing sensitive information or installing malware. To fortify against phishing, businesses should invest in email security solutions that can detect and block malicious emails. Additionally, ongoing employee training is essential to help staff recognize and report phishing attempts.
Insider threats pose another serious risk to organizations. Insiders, whether malicious or negligent, can cause significant harm by leaking sensitive information or sabotaging systems. To mitigate insider threats, businesses should implement strict access controls, monitor user activity, and establish clear policies and procedures for handling sensitive data. Encouraging a culture of security awareness and providing regular training can also help reduce the risk of insider incidents.
Weak network security configurations are another common vulnerability. Poorly configured firewalls, open ports, and unsecured wireless networks can provide easy entry points for attackers. Organizations should regularly review and update their network security configurations, ensuring that firewalls are properly configured, unnecessary ports are closed, and wireless networks are secured with strong encryption.
Another area of concern is the lack of regular security assessments. Many organizations fail to conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments, leaving them unaware of potential weaknesses in their defenses. Regular assessments can identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited and provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of existing security measures. Businesses should consider engaging third-party security experts to conduct comprehensive assessments and provide recommendations for improvement.
Data encryption is a critical security measure that is often overlooked. Encrypting sensitive data, both at rest and in transit, can protect it from unauthorized access. Businesses should implement encryptions for all sensitive data and ensure that encryption keys are securely managed. Additionally, secure data backup practices should be established to ensure that encrypted backups are available in the event of a data loss incident.
At the Cybersecurity Awareness Summit 2024, we will delve deeper into these common security weaknesses and provide actionable advice on how to address them. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for fortifying their defenses and protecting their organizations from cyber threats.
Empower yourself with the knowledge to secure your business – join us at the summit!
The digital landscape is constantly changing, and so are the threats that target businesses. From sophisticated phishing schemes to ransomware attacks, the methods used by cybercriminals are becoming increasingly advanced. At the upcoming Cybersecurity Awareness Summit 2024, we will explore the latest trends in cyber threats and provide strategies to stay ahead of these evolving dangers.
Cyber threats are not a static phenomenon; they evolve in response to new technologies, defensive measures, and the changing behavior of users and organizations. Understanding these evolving threats is crucial for businesses that aim to protect their data, maintain their reputation, and avoid costly breaches.
One of the most significant changes in the cyber threat landscape is the rise of ransomware attacks. These attacks have become more sophisticated and targeted, with cybercriminals often conducting extensive reconnaissance before launching an attack. Ransomware can cripple an organization by encrypting its data and demanding a ransom for its release. The impact of such an attack can be devastating, leading to significant financial losses and operational downtime.
Phishing attacks remain a prevalent threat, evolving in complexity and sophistication. Cybercriminals use social engineering techniques to trick employees into revealing sensitive information or installing malware. These attacks often appear as legitimate emails from trusted sources, making them difficult to detect. Training employees to recognize phishing attempts and implementing robust email security measures are essential steps in mitigating this risk.
Another emerging threat is the exploitation of vulnerabilities in Internet of Things (IoT) devices. As businesses increasingly rely on connected devices, the attack surface for cybercriminals expands. Many IoT devices lack robust security features, making them easy targets for attackers. Ensuring that IoT devices are securely configured and regularly updated is critical in protecting against these threats.
The growing use of cloud services also introduces new security challenges. While cloud providers invest heavily in security, the responsibility for securing data in the cloud is shared between the provider and the user. Misconfigurations and inadequate access controls can lead to data breaches and other security incidents. Businesses must adopt best practices for cloud security, including regular audits, encryption, and strong access controls.
Advanced persistent threats (APTs) are another area of concern. APTs involve prolonged and targeted cyberattacks, often orchestrated by well-funded and skilled adversaries. These attackers aim to gain long-term access to sensitive data and can remain undetected for extended periods. Detecting and responding to APTs requires advanced security measures, such as threat intelligence, continuous monitoring, and incident response planning.
In addition to these specific threats, the overall cyber threat landscape is influenced by geopolitical factors. Nation-state actors engage in cyber espionage and sabotage, targeting critical infrastructure and sensitive information. Businesses must stay informed about these broader trends and consider their potential impact on cybersecurity.
At the Cybersecurity Awareness Summit 2024, experts will discuss these evolving threats in detail and share insights on how businesses can enhance their cybersecurity posture. Attendees will learn about the latest tools and techniques to detect and respond to cyber threats, as well as best practices for securing their digital assets.
Don’t miss out on this essential knowledge – register for the summit today! Empower yourself with the information and strategies needed to stay ahead of cybercriminals and protect your organization from evolving cyber threats.
In the sectors of architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), distribution, and manufacturing, the integrity of your digital infrastructure is paramount. As industries evolve and become increasingly digitized, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been greater. Security officers, IT directors, and compliance officers are on the front lines of this battle, tasked with safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring operational continuity. This is where Managed Security Services (MSS) come into play, offering a comprehensive solution to meet these critical needs.
The Growing Importance of Cybersecurity
The AEC, distribution, and manufacturing sectors face unique challenges when it comes to cybersecurity. These industries are not only dealing with large volumes of sensitive data but also with complex supply chains and interconnected systems. Cyberattacks can lead to significant disruptions, financial loss, and damage to reputation. Therefore, a proactive approach to cybersecurity is essential.
Key Benefits of Managed Security Services
Why C-Level Executives, Security Officers, IT Directors, and Compliance Officers Should Consider MSS
Tailored Solutions for AEC, Distribution, and Manufacturing
Every industry has unique security requirements, and MSS providers understand this. They offer tailored solutions that address the specific needs of the AEC, distribution, and manufacturing sectors. Whether it’s protecting intellectual property, securing supply chains, or ensuring the integrity of manufacturing processes, MSS can provide the necessary protection.
In an era where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated and pervasive, Managed Security Services offer a reliable and effective solution for safeguarding your digital assets. For C-Level executives, security officers, IT directors, and compliance officers in the AEC, distribution, and manufacturing sectors, MSS provides the peace of mind that comes from knowing your organization is protected by industry-leading expertise and technology.
Ready to take your cybersecurity to the next level? Contact Aktion Associates today to learn how our Managed Security Services can protect your business from evolving threats and ensure your digital independence. Let us help you stay secure, compliant, and ahead of the curve. Get in touch with our experts now and safeguard your future.
