B2B industry seeing major shifts as e-commerce platforms proliferate, says ASSA ABLOY SAARC official

With digital transformation and increasing popularity of smartphones, B2B businesses are witnessing a revolution of sorts. Abhishek Bhaskar, Director - Communication & Marketing at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions - SAARC Region says proliferation in e-commerce platforms are bringing a sea-change in B2B sector in India.

As an industry leader what have you seen about India's current market trends for the expanding B2B industry?

B2B has witnessed significant growth in recent years, spurred by factors such as the increasing adoption of technology, improved internet connectivity, and the rise of smartphone usage. India's rapidly evolving digital landscape has presented numerous opportunities for businesses to leverage online platforms and tools for their operations. Customer services and expectations have evolved, with the former being the core of any business to create loyalty among its customer base. One of the prominent trends is the shift towards a more streamlined and efficient procurement process. Buyers are now seeking simplified purchasing experiences, enhanced product information, faster delivery options, and best in after sales service.

Moreover, the proliferation of e-commerce platforms and online marketplaces has revolutionised how B2B transactions take place. Businesses can now easily connect with suppliers, distributors, and partners across geographical locations. This has opened up new markets and opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to scale their operations. Like the B2C space, B2B buyers are also seeking personalised experiences. They expect tailored product recommendations, targeted marketing, and solutions that cater to their specific needs. Businesses that can provide a personalised touch in their interactions will likely build stronger relationships and foster customer loyalty. Businesses are recognising the value of collaboration within their industries. Partnerships, alliances, and industry networks are forming to exchange ideas, share best practices, and collectively address challenges.

What plans does ASSA ABLOY, a global company, have in place to comprehend and meet the specific needs and preferences of the Indian market?

ASSA ABLOY employs a localised approach, ensuring that its products and services are designed to cater to the distinct requirements of Indian customers. To achieve this, we collaborate closely with local partners, dealers, influencers and customers to gain insights into their preferences and challenges. By understanding the cultural nuances and specific business demands of the Indian market, the company can develop solutions that align with requirements. Moreover, ASSA ABLOY maintains a robust distribution and service network across India. This enables efficient product availability, timely delivery, and responsive customer support, all of which are critical for building trust among customers.

Additionally, ASSA ABLOY places significant focus on research and development to innovate and adapt its product offerings. This approach ensures that the company remains at the forefront of technology and can deliver cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of Indian businesses. With its presence for over a decade in India, ASSA ABLOY has a long-term vision for the India market, including its development as a robust manufacturing base. While the company marked its footprint in manufacturing in India by acquiring a state-of-art production unit at Jamnagar in 2017, it looks forward to bringing comprehensive and customer-oriented solutions to the country in the future.

The story of omnichannel presence, how B2B firms are adopting the trend, and its influence on the e-commerce sector have all been established by the pandemic?

The pandemic emphasised the importance of having a robust digital presence to cater to customers and evolving preferences and ensure business continuity. Organisations that already had well-established omnichannel strategies were better equipped to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, as they could pivot between different sales channels based on changing market dynamics.

ASSA ABLOY recognises the significance of an omnichannel presence and is continuously working to enhance its digital interfaces and customer touchpoints. By providing customers with a seamless experience across multiple channels, the company ensures that clients can access its wide range of products and services conveniently. This commitment to optimising digital experiences, positions ASSA ABLOY as a leader in customer-centricity, adapting to the ever-evolving demands of the modern business landscape. The company's proactive measures in enhancing its omnichannel capabilities reflect its dedication to sustaining agility and ensuring customer satisfaction in an increasingly digital era. ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions offers a wide array of products and services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its customers. It continues to bring unique locking solutions that help billions of people easily move through a safer, more open world every day.

What do you think sets the Experience Center in Hyderabad apart from other cities?

Hyderabad is a strategic location, and our focus is on showcasing the latest products and solutions offered by ASSA ABLOY under prominent brands like Yale and ENOX. Hyderabad's emergence as a major technology and industrial hub makes it an ideal location to showcase advanced security, smart products, and digital access solutions. The Experience Center allows customers to interact directly with our products and experience the functionalities firsthand. The center is equipped with interactive installations for demonstration purposes. As for future centers, ASSA ABLOY recognises the importance of expanding its presence in key regions across India. The company will evaluate the opportunities available for further expansions of the Experience Centers in other major cities of the SAARC region. These centers will serve as crucial touchpoints for customers, architects, and industry professionals to explore the latest trends and solutions in door openings, security and access control.

Foreseeing the trajectory of expansion, ASSA ABLOY aims to broaden its footprint across pivotal regions within India. With a foresight for the future, the company is open to explore the opportunities to replicate the success of the Hyderabad Experience Center. Through these Experience Centers, the company will not only offer products but also foster a holistic understanding of their potential, thereby establishing themselves as a leading player in security and access solutions.

By leveraging advanced technologies and collaborating with industry partners, ASSA ABLOY Group remains at the forefront of the access solutions industry.

What leading-edge goods and services are on display there that could have an influence on Hyderabad's local economy and industries?

The ASSA ABLOY Experience Centre showcases a wide range of innovative products and technology. The flourishing IT and tech industries often require robust security solutions to safeguard their premises from unauthorised access and protect their critical spaces, such as data centers. Our digital access solutions, like Incedo, can provide that platform to the entities combined with automatic doors, wired or wireless locking systems. Aperio for instance, can be used to upgrade the existing access control systems. The commercial and hospitality sectors can benefit from ASSA ABLOY's sophisticated fire-rated door hardware and automatic entrance solutions, enhancing convenience and safety for businesses and customers.

Additionally, Hyderabad's manufacturing and industrial sectors can leverage ASSA ABLOY's industrial security solutions, such as high-security locks and access management systems, to protect their valuable assets and ensure operational efficiency. By adopting ASSA ABLOY's advanced security solutions, local businesses and industries in Hyderabad can enhance their operations, improve productivity, and reinforce their commitment to providing safe and secure environments for their customers and employees.

ASSA ABLOY Experience Center in Hyderabad offers a wide range of products from ASSA ABLOY, Yale, and ENOX, encompassing mechanical, electromechanical, and digital door locks, cylinders, security doors, and automated entrances like sliding doors, Swing door operators, breakout doors etc. Homeowners can explore smart home security products like smart locks, smart cameras, safes, and lockers, and the latest innovation from Yale, like Yale Luna Pro+Face Lock. The store also displays cutting-edge technologies like biometrics, mobile security, and trusted identities to demonstrate our dedication to remaining at the forefront of the industry.

The establishment of the ASSA ABLOY Experience Center in Hyderabad is poised to be a pivotal catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange among its esteemed customers, partners, and workforce.