Digitalisation in the electrical industry has been a talking point for years, but the latest EDA survey shows just how quickly expectations are shifting: Nearly 70% of wholesalers now believe that online business volumes will double or more than double within the next five years. That’s a huge signal for an industry traditionally built on long standing customer relationships, trade counters, and manual processes.
And while not all smaller electrical businesses are fully integrated with digital tools yet, the pace of change suggests that standing still may no longer be an option.
The feedback from the survey also reflects a divided mindset: some businesses are confident and already investing in digital channels while others remain uncertain about how to adapt. What’s clear, however, is that the future electrical supply chain will require both online and offline offerings to meet the expectations of every type of customer.
Whether you’re a wholesaler or a manufacturer, digitalisation in the electrical industry isn’t just an operational upgrade – it’s becoming a defining factor in how the sector will serve customers and grow in the years ahead.
Why digital uptake matters now more than ever
The acceleration toward online business isn’t just a trend that will remain temporary. It shows a direct response to how contractors, distributors and procurement teams now expect to work.
Electrical buyers want faster access to stock information, transparent pricing and the ability to place orders at any time, not only during counter hours. If wholesalers and manufacturers can’t offer this level of convenience, customers will simply shift to those who can. This is why the industry’s digital uptake has become so important.
Meanwhile wholesalers are increasingly focused on gaining digital tools that can help them respond quickly to customer requests about availability or alternatives as well as smoothening the order-to-dispatch process. Manufacturers also feel the same pressure, especially managing large volumes and complex pricing structures.
Even businesses that have traditionally relied on personal relationships are beginning to recognise that digital tools are made to enhance the experience that they are currently having. By investing in digital solutions now, electrical businesses can future proof their operations and to make sure customers are happy. It also keeps them relevant as the market moves towards more flexible, hybrid ways of buying and selling.
Adapting to new trends and technology is a must
The EDA survey highlights something many in the electrical industry are already feeling: customer expectations are changing faster than businesses can respond. New technologies, whether it’s digital catalogues, automated document exchange, or real time stock systems, are shaping how electrical products are being purchased.
Wholesalers who still rely heavily on phone orders, emailed PDFs, or manual data entry are finding it harder to keep pace with contractors who want instant answers. Likewise, manufacturers are under pressure to deliver cleaner product data, support digital ordering and integrate more seamlessly with their distribution partners.
These trends will continue to reshape everyday operations across the sector. The businesses that embrace them can work more accurately and collaborate more effectively, positioning themselves ahead in an increasingly competitive market. Those that don’t risk falling behind at a time when the industry is clearly shifting towards more connected, digital ways of working.
How digitalisation will shape the electrical industry’s future operations
Looking ahead, digitalisation will influence almost every operational layer of the electrical supply chain. For wholesalers, systems that automatically sync stock levels, process electronic orders and manage product data will become standard rather than “nice to have.” In this way, businesses that embrace these tools get to respond quickly to customers, supporting them in a way that feels proactive.
Manufacturers are on a similar path – the future electrical market will demand real time technical information, automated order flows, and tighter integration with distribution partners. Instead of relying on spreadsheets or manual updates, both sides of the industry will operate using automated processes.
Then, it becomes easier for all parties to access information. Teams can also spend more time supporting customers rather than fixing avoidable mistakes. The pace of change is clear, and the businesses preparing now will be the ones best positioned to thrive as the electrical industry evolves.
To learn more about how it impacts your electrical business, download the EDA survey here.