MEDIA RELEASE PR36831
Options Are a Great Equalizer in New Economy: XIAMETER(R) Global Executive Director
MIDLAND, Mich., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
E-commerce key to adapting to changing conditions
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
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