New reports from Forrester Research analyze the benefits of commercially available “digital operations platforms” that incorporate data automation and artificial intelligence to help manufacturers and distributors improve how they serve customers.

In need of an ecommerce site to remain competitive, industrial equipment manufacturer Blount International deployed one that connected to its SAP system and that didn’t overburden its IT department. It has seen its quarterly ecommerce revenue more than triple, its quarterly transaction volume more than double and its average order value increase 65%.

Looking to get out from under a non-user-friendly ecommerce platform, Midway Dental found the answer to its problem in middleware software that integrated a new ecommerce site with its ERP system.

The deal values Infor at $11 billion. Infor specializes in ERP, CRM and ecommerce software for manufacturers and distributors and adds to Koch’s push into commerce technology.

Still new to some merchants, the Oliver Logan denim apparel brand promotes its “sustainable” and “ethical” manufacturing policies. But to win over more wholesale buyers it’s offering new flexible payment options.

The seasonal decorations retailer switched its ERP software this year after a busier-than-expected holiday period in 2018 strained the shipping department. Since then, the retailer has increased employee accountability and fulfillment efficiency, shrinking the number of workers it needs for peak season.

The business software company, whose products and services include the SAP Ariba procurement network and the Hybris ecommerce software used by many B2B and retail companies, is placing a stronger focus on digital technology with the appointment of co-CEOs to replace Bill McDermott, who left the top executive spot Thursday.

Rainier Industries, a manufacturer of custom commercial awnings, tents and related products, is on track this year to grow ecommerce sales by 20%, CEO David Traub says. Pictured above is one of Rainier's tent products.

Recognizing the limitations of its outdated ERP system, Kastas Sealing Technologies replaced it and revamped its ecommerce site to deliver a richer customer experience on mobile devices and desktop computers.