When it comes to digital transformation, there’s no such thing as a smooth, one-size-fits-all journey. Huyett, a leading supplier in the industrial fastener industry, approached their digital transformation with a clear goal: to launch a modern eCommerce store that could keep up with their ambitions and handle the real-world complexities of their business.
As Alan Beard, eCommerce Manager at Huyett, puts it: “At some point, you have to stop inching forward and leap.”
This is the story of how Huyett took that leap, the hurdles they faced, the milestones they achieved, and the lessons they learned along the way.
The Tipping Point: When “Good Enough” Isn’t Enough
Before their transformation, Huyett wasn’t starting from scratch. They had an existing eCommerce platform, a PIM, and an ERP system. On paper, everything was in place. But reality told a different story.
“We had a pretty decent website in the fastener space,” Alan recalls. “But at some point, you realize you’re not building on solid ground anymore.”
Key Challenges Huyett Faced:
- Outdated Systems: Their legacy eCommerce platform was owned internally, which meant no regular updates or improvements.
- Security Vulnerabilities: Gaps in their checkout process led to costly security breaches, including a major credit card fraud attempt.
- Integration Issues: Disconnected systems made processes cumbersome, with manual workarounds becoming the norm.
- Scalability Concerns: Their tech stack wasn’t built to grow with their ambitions.
The tipping point came with a realization: patching holes wasn’t going to cut it anymore. They needed a B2B eCommerce platform for distributors that could evolve, integrate, and drive meaningful change.
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Building a New Digital Foundation
When the decision was made to re-platform to OroCommerce, Huyett knew this wasn’t going to be just another website project. This was about building a sustainable ecosystem – one that would not only support their operations but actively drive growth.
“We needed a platform that scales with us, one that keeps improving,” says Alan.
Key Upgrades in the Transformation:
- Modern Payment Interface: Vulnerabilities in their old checkout process were eliminated, enhancing security and reliability.
- Enhanced Shipping Integration: API integrations streamlined shipping workflows, reducing manual errors.
- Improved Search Capabilities: A dedicated site search tool improved product discoverability.
- CRM Integration with HubSpot: Better alignment between sales and marketing allowed for smarter, data-driven decision-making.
- Self-Service Tools: Customers gained access to tools like order history and certification retrieval, reducing dependency on sales reps.
These improvements went beyond technology, shaping how Huyett connects with and supports its customers.
“We’re trying to stay ahead of the curve, meeting the demand for self-service while giving our team the tools they need to sell better,” Alan emphasizes.
How eCommerce Technology Changed the Sales Experience
One of the biggest wins of the transformation was seeing the sales team fully embrace the new tools and workflows.
When asked how much convincing the sales team needed to adopt the new platform, Alan’s answer was quick: “Zero arm-twisting was needed.” The new tools weren’t just for customers; they were built to make the lives of sales reps easier, smarter, and more efficient.
What Changed for the Sales Team:
- Quick Access to Product Specs: Detailed product information became easily accessible online, streamlining customer consultations.
- Certification Retrieval: Sales reps could quickly pull up certification documents without navigating cumbersome systems.
- Better Quality Leads: Enhanced digital presence attracted more qualified leads, giving sales reps more meaningful opportunities.
Staying Agile: Iteration, Not Perfection
For Huyett, digital transformation was never a one-and-done project. It was an ongoing effort to stay flexible, make thoughtful choices, and adapt to new challenges as they arose. “You have to be realistic about what your customers need at launch, versus what you can build over time,” Alan advises.
Huyett decided to take a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) approach – a strategy focused on launching essential features that deliver immediate value while leaving room for continuous improvement.
The MVP approach:
Phase 1: Focus on core functionality that delivers immediate value.
Phase 2: Build on successes, refine workflows, and introduce new tools.
Phase 3 (Ongoing): Plan smaller, more nimble iterations to continuously improve.
This phased approach allowed Huyett to deliver meaningful results quickly while maintaining the agility to refine and expand their capabilities over time. “Every time we add something new, we know it’s based on data, not guesswork. That’s how you keep building smarter,” Alan notes.
3 Lessons from Huyett’s Transformation
Huyett’s eCommerce journey wasn’t about ticking boxes or chasing trends. It was about solving real problems and setting themselves up for whatever comes next.
Alan leaves other B2B businesses with this advice:
- Document Everything: Know your processes, your needs, and your must-haves before you start.
- Stay Actively Involved: Digital transformation isn’t something you outsource – it’s something you own.
- Think Long-Term: Build for where you want to be, not just where you are today.
As Alan puts it, “If you want to be the best, you have to invest, not just in platforms, but in how you use them.” For Huyett, the leap was worth it. And their journey is far from over.
