Technology adoption in the building materials distribution sector is accelerating — and in 2025, the gap between digital leaders and laggards is widening fast. From eCommerce platforms and AI-powered forecasting to mobile tools and ERP integrations, distributors are increasingly investing in digital infrastructure to improve efficiency, customer experience, and competitiveness.
But as more of your peers embrace modern systems, the bar for service, speed, and operational agility rises. This shift isn’t just about tools — it’s about staying relevant in a rapidly changing marketplace.
Here’s how distributors should prepare for rising technology adoption rates across the industry — and what steps to take now to stay ahead.
1. Benchmark Your Digital Maturity Against Industry Trends
Before you plan, you need to know where you stand. Comparing your tech capabilities to peers helps identify gaps and opportunities.
How to Prepare:
Conduct a digital readiness assessment across your ERP, eCommerce, quoting, logistics, and analytics systems
Benchmark performance in areas like quote turnaround time, delivery accuracy, and inventory visibility
Monitor what tech-forward competitors are offering (e.g., mobile order tracking, digital submittals)
Why It Matters:
You can’t compete effectively unless you understand where your tech infrastructure excels — or falls short.
2. Prioritize Systems That Solve for Customer Expectations
Contractor and builder expectations are changing rapidly — and they’re shaped by how your competitors are using technology.
How to Prepare:
Invest in tools that offer real-time pricing, inventory visibility, and online order tracking
Ensure your systems support custom pricing, quote history, and contractor account management
Make customer-facing tools mobile-friendly and easy to navigate
Why It Matters:
As more distributors adopt technology, customers will gravitate to those who offer the most seamless and responsive experiences.
3. Invest in Integration, Not Just Tools
Adding standalone platforms won’t drive value if your systems aren’t integrated. The most successful distributors are building connected digital ecosystems.
How to Prepare:
Ensure your ERP, CRM, eCommerce, and logistics tools share data in real time
Work with vendors who support API connectivity and modular scaling
Use integration to automate key workflows — from quote-to-cash to inventory management
Why It Matters:
Disconnected systems lead to delays, errors, and poor customer experience — even if each tool is best-in-class.
4. Build a Team That’s Digitally Fluent
As technology becomes core to your operations, your team needs the skills to use it effectively — and continuously improve it.
How to Prepare:
Upskill your team with training on digital tools, data dashboards, and new workflows
Consider hiring or promoting roles focused on digital operations, analytics, or process optimization
Foster a culture that encourages experimentation and feedback on tech initiatives
Why It Matters:
Technology is only as powerful as the people who manage it — and adoption often succeeds or fails at the front lines.
5. Start with High-Impact Use Cases
Trying to transform everything at once rarely works. Focus on areas where tech adoption delivers immediate ROI or solves your most pressing pain points.
How to Prepare:
Identify a few priority use cases (e.g., faster quoting, inventory accuracy, jobsite delivery tracking)
Pilot new tools with select branches or customer segments
Track impact on KPIs such as quote conversion rate, order accuracy, and customer satisfaction
Why It Matters:
Early wins build momentum, boost internal buy-in, and guide smarter long-term investments.
6. Prepare for Competitive Pressure — and Opportunity
As more distributors modernize, customers will compare tech-enabled service levels. Falling behind could cost you business — but adopting the right tools can help you win customers from slower-moving competitors.
How to Prepare:
Build marketing and sales messaging around your tech capabilities
Offer demos, training, or onboarding support for digital tools
Promote your ability to deliver faster, more transparently, and more accurately
Why It Matters:
Technology adoption isn’t just operational — it’s a competitive advantage in customer acquisition and retention.
7. Watch for Emerging Standards and Industry Shifts
As adoption grows, some technologies will become industry expectations — much like how eCommerce and digital submittals are now considered standard by many builders.
How to Prepare:
Stay updated on adoption rates and vendor partnerships across the industry
Monitor trade associations and conferences for new tech developments
Keep an eye on contractor trends (e.g., mobile field tools, green material documentation, real-time collaboration)
Why It Matters:
Proactively tracking trends keeps you ready to adopt what’s next — and avoid falling behind as customer expectations evolve.
Conclusion
Technology adoption rates are rising across the building materials distribution industry — and they’re reshaping how suppliers operate, serve, and grow. As competitors become faster, more responsive, and more data-driven, distributors must evolve their strategy and infrastructure to match.
Preparing for this shift means more than buying tools — it means building connected systems, capable teams, and customer-focused processes that leverage technology to deliver lasting value.
