How Digi-Key's Hybrid Low/Mixed-High Volume Model Is Revolutionizing “Traditional” Electronics Distribution
Digi-Key goes against the grain when it comes to business methods. Sourcing electronic components from a single facility located in a rural town of less than 9000 seems incomprehensible at the best of times. However, Digi-Key has earned its place by doing just that: challenging the traditional belief of corporate methodology. The philosophy of combining innovation and forward-thinking with regional small-town values has positioned Digi-Key as one of the world's leading distributors of electronic components.
In 1972, electronics engineer Dr. Ron Stordahl had a vision of making quality electronic components available to everyone, from engineers to specialists. Forty years later, Digi-Key has grown to become a billion-dollar company, known internationally as the supplier with the broadest selection of electronic components in the industry for deliveries from stock and deliveries to a large customer base. world level; all from a 65,000 square foot distribution facility in Thief River Falls, Minneapolis, USA.
“A wide selection of electronic components” has quickly become an understatement as Digi-Key continues to grow. Digi-Key currently offers more than 3.5 million parts from more than 650 manufacturers worldwide. More than 970,000 of these components are in stock and available for immediate delivery, with the majority of these components available for same-day delivery. Once a sales representative enters the order into Digi-Key's system, most orders are picked, packed, and ready for transportation by one of Digi-Key's major carriers in minutes. Worldwide carriers include UPS, FedEx, and DHL.
The world of electronic component distribution has been eventful in recent years. The market is changing rapidly as engineers have begun to look to more than one source for necessary parts. There has been a decisive shift in sentiment towards a long-tail model. Designers sometimes value product selection and service over price. They want the parts they need when they need them along with the resources and technical support. The specialized low/mixed-high volume and hybrid model along with the broadest product selection in the industry aligns well with this cutting-edge movement of small-quantity purchasing of a wide selection of products.
The opposite model has resulted in consistent growth for Digi-Key. While the rest of the distribution industry has been flat or down year to date in 2013, Digi-Key has maintained steady growth reaching double digit growth numbers worldwide. These numbers offer a true indicator of the value of this type of model and the nature of the shopping environment of the future. As needs change and fluctuate, Digi-Key's flexible, hybrid delivery model is well positioned to adapt and change with industry movement.
For Digi-Key customers, the relationship does not end after purchase. The company is committed to offering high-value online resources to support engineers and buyers alike, from prototype to production. Includes phone customer service and live online tech support, “Geek Moment” help videos, product training podcasts, and vendor data sheets. Our technical experts are available 24 hours a day to answer questions and offer solutions in real time.
The state-of-the-art electronics distributor has evolved with changing buyer roles and demands. Digi-Key knows that the customer expects quick and easy access to content, available parts, multiple interaction options, and an exceptionally high level of service. If a customer finds a company that is easy to do business with, they come back.
As a world leader in e-commerce, Digi-Key is a case study of how a traditional catalog company has been able to effectively respond to customer needs. In turn, this private innovator has truly impacted the distribution industry by transforming rather than shaping. Today the company has expanded its resources not only to North America and EMEA but also to Asia.
With Digi-Key on track to hit XNUMX million components in stock, this is certainly worth a look!
