<img alt="" src="https://www.companydetailscompany.com/798294.png" style="display:none;">
Merchant Distributors Inc. (MDI)

Modernizing B2B Customer Experiences

Founded back in 1931 by brothers Alex and Lee George, MDI is a family-owned and operated business with a strong set of core values. They believe to this day that its longevity and sustained success have stemmed from the belief that its customers and suppliers must be successful as well. Still, old-fashioned values aside, the world turns quickly and MDI needed a partner to see it through an intense digital transformation. Knowing how best to bring a century-old business into the Digital Age is not easy. MDI knew how to run a successful business, but it didn’t know how to digitally transform that business in a way that would support its ambition for growth without losing sight of its loyal customer base.

Services

  • Digital Strategy
  • UX & Design
  • Technical Assessment
  • Custom Implementation
  • Data Analytics
  • Cloud Services
  • Application Modernization
  • Integrations

The opportunity

RDA was brought in to develop a solution for MDI’s outdated systems and to enhance its infrastructure enough to support its tremendous growth. This involved creating a type of digital engagement to match MDI’s amazing in-store experiences.

Key elements of MDI's vision

  • Develop a roadmap for the long-term vision, focusing on necessary application platforms, solution architecture, and integration strategy
  • Identify and prioritize initiatives to address existing gaps over time
  • Collaborate with business, marketing, and IT teams to gather insights and construct the Digital Roadmap
  • Optimize existing processes and unlock valuable data to create new revenue channels
  • Break down information silos, enhance accountability for digital plans, and identify immediate investment opportunities and quick wins

Completed Admission RFI forms

2X

Projected cost savings

60%
The vision

MDI’s vision was to create a single pane of glass for all customer (wholesale) ordering, delivery tracking, order status tracking, financial reporting (statements, invoices, credits), planograms, shelf tags, and more.RDA developed a solution to replace its antiquated systems. Built on an ASP.NET MVC framework, the new platform featured two core applications: Customer-Facing E-Commerce PlatformAn externally facing site designed to drive revenue and offer a personalized, seamless shopping experience for over 2,000 customers and 100,000 products. This included a system that enabled customer-specific pricing, deals, product visibility, and a unique experience for each store. Internal Order Processing Tool A back-end system that empowered MDI’s internal teams to process orders and provide a streamlined support UI. This platform integrated all aspects of order management, delivery tracking, and financial reporting.

Victory

The modern application was designed to be both intuitive and powerful. MDI’s retail partners can now easily search for products with higher margins, find deals, and manage their entire order process from one location. The improved reporting system meant that everything was connected, with real-time insights at their fingertips. MDI’s efforts not only modernized the company but also revitalized its legacy. They have become a model for the way traditional businesses should adapt to the digital age. The family’s core values—a commitment to quality and service to its community—remain intact, while the integration of modern technology has everyone involved for future growth.

“ With RDA, MDI is growing capabilities, not dependencies! ”

President Merchant Distributors, Inc.