E-commerce key to adapting to changing conditions
MIDLAND, Mich., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- For chemical companies to thrive as the global economy recovers, size is not as important as innovation, efficiency and sustainability, according to Shelley Bausch, global executive director of the XIAMETER(R) online-based business of Dow Corning.
"Low margins and competitive pressures have forced companies to find quicker, better ways of doing business," Bausch said at a recent chemical purchasing conference. "Companies that can transform themselves to better service customers, while being more cost-efficient, are the ones successful throughout the value chain."
Making better use of the Internet is one example, Bausch said, citing statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau that business-to-business transactions by manufacturers and merchant wholesalers accounted for 93 percent of e-commerce in 2007.
"For both suppliers and customers, e-commerce has streamlined both selling and buying," she said. "It's a faster, more efficient and sustainable way to do business and to interact with customers and prospective customers. The remarkable thing about doing business online -- a professional website and e-commerce services allow small companies to compete with large companies. For large companies, the Internet allows them to be flexible and nimble like small start-ups."
Bausch also discussed Dow Corning's own experience in transforming its business strategy to meet customer needs. Dow Corning pioneered the online purchasing of silicones in 2002 when it launched its XIAMETER(R) brand and business model, to service customers who wanted and need round-the-clock, market-driven pricing for standard silicone products. These materials are widely used as performance enhancers by multiple industries, including personal care, construction and automotive, where they provide qualities such as durability, stability, adhesion and weather resistance.
This year, Dow Corning expanded the XIAMETER business model to include increased options for customers, including an expanded line of 2,100 products, a new order entry platform with enhanced self-service functionality, volume quantity, pricing and credit term options, and the ability to buy directly from http://www.xiameter.com or through local distributors.
"Successful companies are those who become experts in adapting to changing conditions -- being resilient, always looking ahead, and changing not only their products but also their business to best serve their customers," Bausch said.
To hear more from Shelley Bausch, watch the video on the Dow Corning You Tube page ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rg9XtBM1Dgw&feature=player_profilepage ).
To learn more about the XIAMETER brand, visit www.xiameter.com.
About Dow Corning
Dow Corning http://www.dowcorning.com provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000 products and services via the company's Dow Corning(R) and XIAMETER(R) ( https://www.xiameter.com/en/Pages/LandingPage.aspx ) brands. Dow Corning is a joint venture equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning's annual sales are outside the United States.
About XIAMETER(R) brand
The XIAMETER(R) brand of Dow Corning Corporation, offers market-driven prices for standard silicone products. Introduced in 2002, the business offers more than 2,100 products including silicone fluids, sealants, silanes, emulsions and rubber. The XIAMETER(R) business is a no-frills model offering cost effective products through streamlined services and a web-enabled order platform. It's designed for customers who know what they need and do not require additional services or technical support. Learn more at http://www.xiameter.com .
