LIBRARY

When the ERP Knows the Truth but the Website Doesn’t

Even disciplined distributor environments experience breakdowns when ERP truth fails to propagate consistently across ecommerce, middleware, and order systems. ERP mismatch leads to manual intervention, pricing exposure, and fragile order flow. This post explains the technical patterns behind truth drift and how to reduce it.

Distribution Product Data

Why Manufacturers Need Product Truth SLAs in 2026

Manufacturers already manage SLAs for shipping, quality, and service. In 2026, the bigger risk is information. Product Truth SLAs define how quickly manufacturers can detect changes, approve new truth, and publish it consistently across every channel that represents their brand.

Manufacturing Product Data

When B2B eCommerce Breaks: How Manufacturers and Distributors Regain Control After a Digital Incident

When B2B eCommerce breaks, urgency replaces tolerance. This article explains how manufacturers and distributors regain control during active digital incidents.

B2B eCommerce

Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP): What Google and Shopify Just Introduced, and Why B2B Should Care

Google and Shopify have introduced the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), an emerging open-source effort designed to help AI agents and commerce systems work together more consistently. For B2B manufacturers and distributors, UCP is less about consumer checkout experiences and more about readiness. It signals a future where clean product data, clear pricing logic, strong identity controls, and resilient integrations determine how easily buyers and systems can transact at scale.

AI B2B eCommerce

Normalize to Monetize: How AI Cleans Up Product Data for Manufacturers

Messy, inconsistent product data slows digital growth. This article shows how AI-driven taxonomy normalization helps manufacturers clean, structure, and monetize their data for scalable digital success.

AI Product Data Manufacturing

How Google AI Shopping’s Smarts Are Poised to Transform B2B Wholesale

Google AI Shopping, at the heart of AI Mode, isn't just a consumer-facing novelty. For B2B wholesalers, this evolution is a wake-up call. From AI-powered conversational search to real-time deal watching, Google is redefining product discovery with capabilities like query fan-out, agentic checkout, and virtual try-on. In a world where procurement teams expect quick, precise results, wholesalers need to rethink how they feed data into Google’s ecosystem before AI decides which supplier gets the order.

B2B eCommerce AI

Manufacturers and the Channel Conflict Dilemma

Channel conflict occurs when manufacturers’ DTC sales overlap with distributor or retailer channels. Learn how to manage pricing, partnerships, and regions to minimize risk and maximize opportunity.

Manufacturing DTC

How Solr and Elasticsearch Calculate Search Results: A Guide for B2B and Wholesale eCommerce

B2B eCommerce platforms rely on Solr and Elasticsearch to power search, but how do they actually work? Learn how indexing and scoring impact what your buyers see and why it matters.

Site Search B2B eCommerce

Beyond GA4: The Best Google Analytics Alternatives for B2B eCommerce in 2025

GA4 left many B2B teams frustrated. This article highlights the best analytics alternatives for manufacturers and distributors, from lightweight privacy-first tools to enterprise-grade solutions.

B2B eCommerce Digital Strategy

The Hidden Metric That Transforms Your B2B Ecommerce Search Experience

Search Effectiveness Rate reflects how often your eCommerce site delivers relevant results. For B2B buyers dealing with complex catalogs, a strong search experience is essential. Learn how to track and improve this key performance indicator.

B2B eCommerce Site Search KPI

From Spreadsheets to Strategy: When It’s Time for a PIM in B2B Commerce

Product data chaos slows digital growth. See when B2B manufacturers and distributors should implement a PIM to turn messy spreadsheets into structured, revenue-driving strategy.

B2B eCommerce PIM

GUIDE: Mastering B2B eCommerce Search

Learn how B2B buyers search and how to improve relevance, product data, and UX. Download Layer One’s free guide to create a smarter, higher-converting site search experience.

Guides & White Papers

As Contractors Consolidate Do Relationships Matter

Private equity is transforming HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors into data-driven operations. As relationships give way to digital optimization, distributors must adapt to stay relevant.

B2B eCommerce Digital Strategy

Why are we just doing this now?

Many distributors hesitate to start eCommerce transformation until they “feel ready.” The truth? Waiting costs more. Learn why bringing in a consultative partner now is the key to long-term success.

Digital Strategy B2B eCommerce

Healthy Site Search is Business Critical

B2B buyers rely on search to find products fast. Learn why weak search experiences cost sales, how top distributors are improving, and what steps to take to strengthen your site’s performance.

Site Search 14 Focus Points

VIDEO: Beth Ladd From ASA at ASA Network 23

We talk with Beth Ladd about all the exciting things coming out of ASA including product data transfer between Manufacturers and Distributors.

Video ASA

What is Search Intent in B2B eCommerce?

Search intent explains what a buyer really means when they type in your search bar. See how browse, implicit, and explicit intent reduce bounces and increase conversions in B2B eCommerce.

Site Search 14 Focus Points

VIDEO: Dean Mueller From DSG at ASA Network 23

We Talk to Distribution Expert Dean Mueller from DSG.

Video ASA

Helping Clients with Product Data

Learn how Layer One helps clients enhance product data quality, from taxonomy and brand pages to ERP integration, improving eCommerce performance and customer experience.

Product Data 14 Focus Points

VIDEO: ASA Network 23 Recap

See interviews and insights from ASA Network 23 in Orlando.

Video ASA

Are we at a Disruption Point for Distribution?

Online sales are growing while traditional distribution lags behind. Layer One CEO Chad Albrecht shares insights on why PHCP distributors face a digital disruption point, and what it takes to compete.

B2B eCommerce Digital Strategy

Ecommerce Onboarding (Focus Pt. 7)

Getting wholesale customers to order online takes more than a great platform. Learn seven proven strategies to increase eCommerce adoption and boost digital order volume.

14 Focus Points B2B eCommerce

DSG Guest Post: Are You Getting the Most from Your eCommerce Solution Partner?

Distributors succeed when their eCommerce partner acts as a consultative advisor, not just an implementor. Learn how to assess your current partnership and find one that drives measurable growth.

B2B eCommerce

Growth KPIs (Focus Pt. 6)

Smart growth in B2B eCommerce requires tracking the right KPIs. Learn the nine most impactful metrics, from CLV to search effectiveness, that uncover what’s working and what’s not.

14 Focus Points B2B eCommerce

Auto Sync Product Data Feeds to PIM

Manual product data imports waste time and create errors. This guide shows how to auto-sync AD, Syndigo, 1WorldSync, and DDS feeds into PIMs like inriver, with a real client example and config snippets you can adapt.

Product Data B2B eCommerce

User Experience (Focus Pt. 5)

A high-performing B2B eCommerce site requires more than design. Explore how navigation, search, personalization, and responsive design create the UX modern buyers expect.

14 Focus Points UX

Optimizely Performance and Stability

A fast, reliable Optimizely site is essential for B2B success. Explore five common performance issues, jobs, fragile UI, APIs, databases, and scaling, and how to fix them for better results.

B2B eCommerce Optimizely

Empower Search (Focus Pt. 4)

Poor site search costs B2B companies sales. Learn seven actionable ways to improve findability, optimize product data, and build a smarter search that drives revenue and customer trust.

14 Focus Points Site Search

Product Data Quality (Focus Pt. 3)

Product data quality determines how easily customers find, understand, and buy from you. Learn how to improve accuracy, completeness, and findability to boost B2B eCommerce performance.

14 Focus Points Product Data

Iterative Thinking (Focus Pt. 2)

Iterative thinking helps B2B organizations refine digital strategies through rapid feedback and improvement. Learn how applying the PDCA cycle strengthens eCommerce, marketing, and customer experience.

14 Focus Points

Site Performance/Stability (Focus Pt.1)

Site stability and performance are business-critical for B2B eCommerce. Learn how reliability and speed affect SEO, conversions, and customer trust, and how to optimize them for success.

14 Focus Points

Distributor eCommerce Now 20 Percent of Sales and Accelerating

Predictions of a post-COVID slump in online usage didn’t materialize for distributors. Instead, all those folks who got used to buying online when they didn’t have a choice have embraced the channel and – apparently – talked their coworkers into joining the digital customer club.

B2B eCommerce Digital Strategy

The Future of HVAC: Attending the 2023 Auer Expo

Attending the Auer Expo was a fantastic experience that provided insights into the latest developments in the HVAC industry. The event brought together a diverse group of engineers, dealers, industry experts, and manufacturers from around the world, creating a vibrant atmosphere for learning and networking.

B2B eCommerce Digital Strategy

What Engineers Want from a Manufacturer’s Website

The B2B buying market has changed radically for almost all professions, and engineers are no exception. Here's what engineers said they wanted in their shopping experience, and what may happen if companies don't adapt.

Digital Strategy B2B eCommerce

WHITE PAPER: 4 Keys to Attracting Engineers to Manufacturer Websites

Engineers now expect manufacturer websites to provide fast access to deep technical content, intuitive navigation, and tools that support their design and specification work. This guide shares research from nearly 300 engineers and outlines four essential improvements manufacturers can make to attract engineers, strengthen trust, and increase product specification.

Guides & White Papers

Personalization in B2B eCommerce

B2B buying is complex and involves various departments, all while customers want to minimize the time and effort it takes to make purchasing decisions. Learn how to understand your customer on a deeper level using the right data for B2B, B2C, and B2X buyers alike.

Digital Strategy B2B eCommerce

Processing JSONL

Quick demonstration of JSONL, a data format that is appearing in more and more systems.

SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE

The Pitfalls of JavaScript Libraries

JavaScript libraries have revolutionized web development by providing developers with powerful tools, frameworks, and pre-built components to expedite the creation of interactive and feature-rich web applications. However, a growing trend of incorporating an excessive number of JavaScript libraries into projects can introduce pitfalls that developers need to be mindful of.

User Experience SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE

Dazzlingly Easy Sitecore Content Comparison with Razl

This post introduces a tool called Razl, which is very helpful in moving Sitecore items between environments.

Sitecore

What you need to know about event driven architecture

There are many architectures available to the development teams; in this post we take a look at event driven architecture. Whether building a new system or maintaining an existing system, we'll examine the basic components and the benefits of the design.

SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE

The Differences Between JSS React Developer Modes

With multiple development modes available, we review the pros and cons to working in disconnected, connected, or integrated mode.

Sitecore

Getting final Sitecore configurations anywhere, anytime, with Sitecore ConfigBuilder

Sometimes you need access to the final Sitecore configuration file, but you can't make use of ShowConfig.aspx

Sitecore

Providing Content Customization

Content Authors deserve more flexibility. Here is how we provide a more dynamic experience.

User Experience Umbraco Sitecore

Creating Your First JSS React Application

A step by step guide laying the foundation to building your first Sitecore JSS React application.

Sitecore

Content Security Policy Management in Sitecore

Our new Security Header Accelerator allows marketers to run experiments with an agile mindset more easily.

Sitecore

Prevent XSS Attacks with a Nonce in the Content Security Policy

Cross Site Scripting attacks can be a danger to visitors of your website. This post explains how to prevent them using a nonce in your Content Security Policy.

Screencast - Triggering Marketing Automation Campaigns

Sitecore's Marketing Automation engine is a powerful tool in your toolbox. We will cover how to trigger an automation campaign in this screencast.

Sitecore Video

Screencast - Installing Sitecore Forms Extensions

Sitecore Forms Extensions allows for 9.0 - 9.3 Sitecore customers to quickly capture xDB contacts. This screencast covers how to install Sitecore Forms Extensions and configure your first form to capture the data.

Sitecore Video

Screencast - How to Publish a Sitecore Form

Sitecore Forms is a powerful WYSIWYG form editing tool. This video covers the flow to publish a Sitecore Form.

Sitecore Video

Screencast - Introduction to SXA Rendering Variants

SXA Rendering Variants allow for rapid, iterative development. Learn more about Rendering Variants in this screencast.

Sitecore Video

Webinar - Strategies for Maturing Your Ecommerce Experience

Navigating the commerce space is harder today than it has ever been. How do you know where you are compared to your peers? What is a logical next step? How much will it cost? In this webinar your hosts from Layer One and Sitecore will begin to answer these questions for you.

Digital Strategy Sitecore B2B eCommerce

HTTP Header Series: Feature-Policy

In our opening to this series, we discussed some of the reasons for Security Headers. In this post we will describe in more detail the (currently experimental) Feature-Policy header which provides a mechanism to allow and deny the use of browser features.

Optimizely Umbraco Sitecore

HTTP Header Series: Referrer-Policy

In our opening to this series, we discussed some of the reasons for Security Headers. In this post we will describe in more detail the Referrer-Policy header which controls how much information is sent in the Referrer HTTP header.

Optimizely Sitecore Umbraco

HTTP Header Series: Content-Security-Policy

In our opening to this series, we discussed some of the reasons for Security Headers. In this post we will describe in more detail the Content-Security-Policy header that allows web site administrators to control resources the user agent is allowed to load for a given page. This header is critical is defending against cross-site scripting attacks.

Optimizely Sitecore Umbraco

The Battle Between Page Speed and Google Tag Manager

While GTM itself loads asynchronously, the tags it manages can still compete with core content during the most performance-sensitive phase of page load. By separating essential tracking from scripts that can wait and triggering those deferred tags with a custom afterload event, teams can reduce browser workload, protect Core Web Vitals, and improve user experience without sacrificing valuable analytics or marketing data.

SEO Guides & White Papers

Four things you wanted to know about Sitecore JavaScript Services

There are lots of great reasons to choose a Sitecore JSS site. From a software development perspective, Sitecore JSS embraces the most modern development practices and paradigms.

Sitecore

HTTP Header Series: The "Xs"

In our opening to this series, we discussed some of the reasons for Security Headers.  In this post we will describe in more detail some of the security headers that still bear the “X” prefix

Optimizely Sitecore Umbraco

HTTP Header Series: HTTP Strict Transport Security

In our opening to this series, we discussed some of the reasons for Security Headers. In this post we will describe in more detail the need for the HSTS header.

Optimizely Sitecore Umbraco

HTTP Header Series: Security Headers

Understand how defining these HTTP headers can help reduce your site vulnerability and make the user experience more secure.

Optimizely Sitecore Umbraco

The European General Data Protection Regulation Change Is The Biggest Since 1995

Layer One Media’s clients do business worldwide. As such, they are constantly collecting data on their customers and website visitors. Recently, the EU and Parliament adopted new regulations that will not only effect third party cloud providers but the companies that collect data as well. Following is a bulletin we think you’ll find helpful in preparing for the change.

Digital Strategy

Sitecore Commerce Accelerator leverages Sitecore Commerce

Sitecore Commerce is ready for manufacturers and distributors. We've pre-built the features most B2Bs are looking for Multi-Featured Homepage and search, Multiple Payment Processing Options, Welcome and View Personalization, Product Category, Listing and Detail,Cross-Sell, Up-Sell products and more!

Sitecore

Configuring Dependency Injection in Umbraco

This webinar will explore pre-sales, sales and post sales personalization tactics that will make your company easier to do business with and build digital brand loyalty.

Umbraco

Decreasing Umbraco Feature Development Time with Models Builder

ModelsBuilder is a tool that is built into the Umbraco platform since version 7.4. What it does is allow the development team to use the Umbraco back office to define the necessary document types for a feature. Then the tool will generate the files necessary for the developer to begin interacting with the document types in the code.

Umbraco

Why is B2B Commerce so difficult?

Manufacturers and Distributors are hearing the call from their customers – “lower costs and be easier to do business with!” For most, this means providing a streamlined digital commerce experience from relevant information to fulfillment and post-sales support. So what do I keep hearing from manufacturers as to why B2B digital commerce is so hard?

B2B eCommerce Digital Strategy

4 Key Considerations for Integrations

Creating meaningful integration is where the distinction between creating business value and busywork lies. Poor integration adds to maintenance, may cause your site to load slowly and more to keep track of in the long term. So, the question becomes: how do you determine what provides the most meaningful business value that becomes most useful to integrate with?

Digital Strategy

Managing Channel Conflict with Extended Supply

Since the early 90s, the trend in mid and large size B2B companies has been to consolidate their decentralized procurement groups and streamline their supply chain operations optimizing their buying power, supplier relationships and of course, reduce cost. This optimization typically lends to procurement groups purchasing product and services for multiple ship-to locations.

B2B eCommerce Digital Strategy

Post-Sales: B2B Digital “Ease of Doing Business”

In the second post, we reviewed digital pre-sales for digitally servicing your customers and the third focused on sales phase. As the fourth and final in a four-part series, we will review the critical post-sales phase for Digitally servicing B2B Customers.

B2B eCommerce

All about the Sitecore Commerce Profile System

The Sitecore Commerce profile system is one of the remaining legacy Commerce Server sub-systems, and like the other Sitecore Commerce systems is incredibly flexible but somewhat complicated. This post will give you the run down on the what, how and why so you can familiarize yourself with designing or developing against the system.

UX B2B eCommerce Sitecore

Sitecore Personalization - Why and How

Why is personalization so important? Simple, you want to provide the best possible experience to your prospect or customer. This is absolutely critical. You want every interaction with your customer to be as effective and efficient as possible, this requires at least a certain amount of knowledge of your customer but obviously, you can never have too much data from which to make decisions.

UX Sitecore Digital Strategy

Five things you wanted to know about Sitecore Commerce

Is your organization thinking about the new release of Sitecore Commerce announced at the National Retail Federation show earlier this year? It doesn’t matter if you are in the world of B2B or B2C, online commerce platforms are significant in myriad ways to businesses and that is why Sitecore has invested so heavily in the platform. As one of the 19 Global Sitecore Commerce MVP’s, I’d like to take a moment to answer some of the top-level questions that people often have about the platform.

B2B eCommerce Sitecore

Converting B2B Customers through Digital Sales Services

As the third in a four-part series, I want to discuss delivering sales phase capabilities involved with the “Being-Serviced” B2B Customer. In the first post, I introduced the “Being-Serviced” B2B Customer as those that will have matured beyond requiring superior “Self-Service” capabilities to those that will want to “Be-Serviced”. Understanding what this means within your industry, to your Partners and End Customers will be critical.

B2B eCommerce UX

Marketing Analytics and Measurement Approach

Collecting metrics is easy. Knowing which ones matter is harder. This article walks through how B2B companies can align goals, KPIs, and analytics tools to create a measurement plan that drives real business outcomes.

Digital Strategy

Pre-Sales Servicing of B2B Customers

B2B buyers often make decisions online before sales ever gets involved. This article explores how manufacturers and distributors can deliver digital pre-sales servicing that influences buying decisions. 

B2B eCommerce Digital Strategy UX

Hosting Sitecore in Azure: A guide to the basics

Thinking about hosting Sitecore in Microsoft Azure? This guide explains the differences between IaaS and PaaS hosting models, their pros and cons, and what they mean for your Sitecore environment.

Sitecore

Beyond Self Service in the B2B world

Self-service in B2B is now table stakes. The next competitive advantage comes from creating "being serviced" experiences—personalized, value-added interactions that build trust and long-term loyalty.

B2B eCommerce

Avoiding Marketplace Commoditization

B2B marketplaces can erode margins and commoditize products. This article explains how manufacturers can avoid the trap and win with value-added services, stronger channel support, and better digital experiences.

Digital Strategy

B2B eCommerce Success the “First Time”

B2B eCommerce is now a necessity. This article outlines 10 keys manufacturers and distributors should follow to ensure their first eCommerce initiative succeeds.

B2B eCommerce

The EU, GDPR and Umbraco CMS

GDPR reshaped how businesses handle data privacy. This article explores what the regulation means for manufacturers and distributors, and how Umbraco CMS can support compliance efforts.

Digital Strategy Umbraco

Pardot Engagement Studio

Pardot’s Engagement Studio gives B2B marketers a visual, flexible way to design nurture campaigns. For manufacturers and distributors, it means smarter targeting, clearer reporting, and better alignment with sales.

Marketing

Sitecore & hCard Microformat

Sitecore can mis-handle tel: links in General Link fields by injecting http://. This article shows a quick pipeline fix and how to implement hCard/h-Card microformats to improve compatibility and SEO.

Sitecore

Personas, Profiles & Scoring Models: Marketing Automation

Personas and profiles help you understand buyers, but scoring models show you who is ready to engage. Here’s how manufacturers and distributors can use all three in marketing automation.

Digital Strategy B2B eCommerce

1:1 Marketing

Batch-and-blast is dead. Learn how manufacturers and distributors can use 1:1 marketing nurture paths to deliver relevant content, personalize engagement, and create sales-ready leads.

Marketing

Prep Your Website For Marketing Automation

Marketing automation works only if your website is ready. This article explains how manufacturers and distributors can optimize forms, integrate with platforms, and implement tracking to fuel campaigns.-->

Marketing

The Four Stages of Marketing Automation

Marketing automation maturity happens in stages. This article outlines the journey from skepticism to advanced 1:1 innovators, helping manufacturers and distributors see what’s next on their path.

Marketing

Is There ROI for Marketing Automation?

Marketing automation creates momentum, but executives want proof. This article explains directional ROI and account-based ROI so manufacturers and distributors can measure impact with confidence.

Marketing

What's on your Digital Marketing Roadmap?

A digital marketing roadmap connects platforms, processes, and strategy. Learn how to start simple, avoid perfection paralysis, and create a 2–3 year plan for marketing automation growth.

Marketing

The Top Three Segmentation FYI's For Marketing Automation

Strong segmentation is the difference between opt-outs and conversions. This article highlights three practical tips to improve your email marketing automation and keep prospects engaged.

Marketing

10 B2B eCommerce Strategy Considerations

eCommerce is never “done.” This article outlines 10 essential considerations for manufacturers and distributors to keep their B2B eCommerce strategies current and competitive.

B2B eCommerce Digital Strategy

MDM or PIM for B2B?

Poor product data holds back B2B eCommerce. This article explains the differences between MDM and PIM, their roles in product data quality, and how manufacturers and distributors should decide between them.

Product Data

Implementing Product Truth SLAs in Manufacturing: ERP, PIM, and Distributor Channel Control

This technical guide explains how manufacturers implement Product Truth SLAs across ERP, PIM, CPQ, distributor portals, and EDI feeds using AI-assisted event detection, propagation measurement, and channel validation.

Manufacturing Product Data