Himolene CORPORATION

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What happens when your product or service is no longer "unique?" How do you differentiate your firm from others to keep, and grow, your customer base in the face of stiff competition? Many manufacturers and other business are confronted with this problem especially in light of the frantic pace of change. For the company in this Rainmakers Case Study, the answer was predicated on understanding their channel and customers needs and using technology to enhance the intimacy and usefulness of their relationships. E-commerce.... one small word but one huge undertaking. If you implement it correctly, it could substantially grow your business. If it's approached in an ineffective way, it can be one of the largest non-producing expenses on your books. Technology (including e-commerce and the internet) is a means to an end! The first step for the firm discussed in this Case Study was to clearly understand what the end-results were so they could devise means of getting there. Solution In Action Case Study: Developing E-commerce and Internet Strategies for your Business The Challenge: Himolene Corporation, a division of Clorox Corporation, manufactures and markets a single line of industrial refuse bags. In the early 1980's, when Himolene introduced this new type of bag, a linear high density polyethylene, it was unique. Himolene was considered a pioneer and had substantial competitive advantages with its distribution channel and customer base. By 1997, however, the competition heated up, and the "linear low" bag that Himolene manufactured was fast becoming a more mature product in the industry. Management at Himolene needed a strategy to combat the loss of competitive advantage and hired The Richmark Group Inc. as a marketing consulting firm to help devise a viable strategy. The Solution: The Richmark Group recommended an in-depth market analysis of Himolene's distribution channel, customer base and competitors. Based upon this analysis several opportunities were uncovered to help Himolene regain its market prowess. One of the recommendations was to create an E-commerce/Extranet web site specifically for segments of their distribution channel. The purpose of was to make it easier for their targeted channel partners to do business with Himolene. The site would streamline the purchasing process, provide vital product information, share sales and marketing information and help train the sales force. Through the use of this technology conducting business becomes easier and the bond between Himolene and its targeted distribution channel is strengthened. Rainmakers assisted The Richmark Group in developing a Technology Blueprint so technologies could be selected and accurate budgets established to implement their Marketing strategies. The Benefits: The Richmark Groups recommendations spelled out a methodical approach to implementing the selected strategies. Rainmakers introduced Himolene to another Strategic Partner, Scheyer-Austin Ltd., to work with internal Himolene resources to construct the E-commerce site and link it with existing business computer systems. Himolene was able to analyze their marketplace, devise viable strategies to compete and begin the deployment of the solution within six months. You might like to visit www.Himolene.com. purpose & promises | services | partners | clients & case studies | resources common questions, uncommon answers | ideas you can use | homepage site design by grupomarin.net | © 2001-2007 JONCORR, INC. All rights reserved.