Based on the success of the distribution of communications and data products in Graybar U.S., the initiative was implemented at Graybar Canada. In 1997, Atlantic Canada, the Greater Toronto Area and Southwestern Ontario began to stock comm/data products.
In the beginning, there was a significant learning curve, as comm/data was a new line of business for Graybar Canada - very different from electrical. The company started small, mostly carrying structured cabling products. Growing over time, a whole new manufacturer base had to be developed to support the new division.
Now, 15 years later, in the age where cloud computing is commonly used and the demand for IT as a service is growing at an exponential rate, communication and data products are no longer a choice - but a necessity.
Developing partnerships with best-in-class manufacturers, the comm/data offering has evolved from basic structured cable to complete end-to-end wired and wireless solutions.
Graybar Canada has over 50 employees directly dedicated to the comm/data division including warehouse, administrative, inventory control, solutions specialists and sales representatives across Canada.
Distributing comm/data products has not only benefited the company, but customers have benefited in many ways as well. One of the key benefits to customers is that they now have a one stop shop for many lines of business. This is also a key differentiator from Graybar Canada’s competitors.
This accessibility to local communications, data and security stock from best-in-class manufacturers in 30 locations nationally provides convenience to customers. When working on projects with tight timelines, there is no need to run all over town to get supplies to finish the job.
The comm/data offering at Graybar Canada has grown to support data contractors as well as supplying a variety of products such as networking, wireless, video conference units, unified communications, and security.
Security and technology products were added to the comm/data portfolio to compliment developing technologies. As a result, Graybar Canada has been able to stay consistently ahead of the emerging trends and technology such as IP-based solutions.
The diversification of the comm/data portfolio now enables Graybar Canada to provide comm/data products as part of a full solution to all customer types served by Graybar Canada.
Dedicated comm/data staff are continuously trained on the latest products and technologies so customers can get assistance in specification, design and technical support for technology and security solutions. This gives customers confidence that they have the right products and solutions the first time, so they can get the job done right and to the best of their ability.
As our product divisions work together, branch locations are equipped to provide customers with an overall Graybar Canada solution for their requirements.
The future for comm/data distribution at Graybar Canada continues to be bright.