Insights into the electrical wholesale sector
Industry structure, trends, and challenges
The electrical wholesale industry specialises in trading electrical and electronic products. This includes the distribution of electrical installation materials, cables, lighting, switch cabinets, building services, automation technology, and other electrical components and devices. Electrical wholesalers supply diverse customer groups, such as electrical contractors, construction companies, industrial enterprises, tradespeople, and public institutions. Well-known companies in the industry include Sonepar, Würth, Hagemeyer, and Fegime, which operate both wholesale and online businesses and offer a broad portfolio of products and services for tradespeople and industry.
Economic significance and international networking
The German electrical wholesale industry generates billions in sales, employs thousands of people, and operates in an international network. It reliably supplies the construction and industrial sectors with electrical engineering products and works closely with manufacturers to provide innovative solutions. Just-in-time deliveries ensure that projects are supplied on time.
Transformation through technological innovation
Technological and economic trends such as digitisation, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) are driving the industry forward. Online stores and digital platforms facilitate customer interaction, while automation and robotics increase efficiency in warehouses. AI optimises inventory levels, forecasts demand, and enables personalised customer communication.
Urbanisation and Smart City concepts are driving growth
The growing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient products, such as LED lighting and renewable energy solutions, is bringing about lasting change in the industry. Social trends such as urbanisation and smart city concepts are driving the demand for modern technological systems for automated buildings, security improvement and networked power grids, opening up new areas of business for electrical wholesalers.
Trends in the electrical wholesale sector
Digital distribution strategies & e-commerce growth
The electrical industry is undergoing a shift from traditional B2B sales to digital marketplaces and online shops. Specialised e-commerce platforms enable round-the-clock ordering, including real-time availability and project-specific customer prices.
- BITO recommendation: Integrate BITO picking solutions into your ERP system to convert online orders directly into picking orders on the warehouse floor – resulting in minimal response times and error-free order processing.
Automated warehouse technology improves efficiency
Increasing product diversity and shorter delivery times make automation a key success factor. With AS/RS systems and shuttle-assisted solutions, it is easy to handle a wide variety of items, from cable reels to LED light fixtures – efficiently and in a space-saving way, perfect for urban locations where space is at a premium.
- Added efficiency: By combining shuttle-assisted storage and retrieval with live storage picking, your picking processes are sped up and walking times are significantly reduced.
Artificial intelligence assists in inventory and customer analysis
AI analyses purchasing patterns, forecasts fluctuations in demand and coordinates automated replenishment. Based on inventory data, AI provides detailed advice on product range adjustments, promotion management and customised services.
- Smart integration: Use AI-based picking data analysis with the BITO WMS to automatically allocate your A/B/C-items to the optimal storage position within your warehouse.
Sustainability as a competitive advantage
Customers and project managers demand energy-efficient, sustainable solutions – the same applies to the handling process. Using multi-trip containers, reducing packaging materials and low-emission supply chains will improve your carbon footprint and ESG rating.
- Acting sustainably: BITO MB containers can be used for many distribution cycles – ideal for your transport logistics to and from construction sites or between stores and subsidiaries.
The challenge for logistics is speed, flexibility and traceability
With growing online demand, requirements for availability and traceability are increasing. Narrow aisle warehouses, pick-by-light systems and RFID technology create transparency and speed – especially during complex construction phases or when delivering projects.
- Practical relevance: Combine practically and ergonomically designed BITO boltless shelving with digital picking solutions to ensure fast handling and high customer satisfaction in cash-and-carry stores.
What are the requirements for logistics?
Efficiency, sustainability and innovation in electrical wholesale logistics
Shuttle-assisted storage
Automated, shuttle-handled BITO XLmotion containers improve picking performance, reduce order throughput times and ensure accurate order processing by reducing picking errors.
Automated small parts storage (AKL)
Small parts storage and handling in AS/RS systems offers maximum storage density, short access times and supports flexible order processing in the electrical wholesale sector.
Narrow aisle pallet racking
Makes maximum use of your floor area to accommodate a wide range of products in a limited amount of space. Ideal for cable drums, lighting fixtures and installation materials.
Sustainable delivery with MB multi-trip containers
Using BITO MB bins reduces packaging waste and minimises the environmental impact of your logistics operations, especially in the case of recurring customer deliveries.
Efficient customer guidance thanks to boltless shelving units designed for universal use
The ergonomically designed, optically pleasing shelving system for your cash-and-carry stores contributes to quick orientation, easy product picking and a positive shopping experience at the POS.
Scalable comprehensive solutions for businesses of any size
BITO combines proven shelving systems, automation and digital services into a modular system package that can be individually adapted to your processes, sites and growth plans.
Added value for your business with BITO storage systems
Get your electrical logistics up to speed with BITO – with efficient, digital, and future-proof solutions
- Smart warehouse automation
With BITO shuttle-assisted storage systems, automated small parts racking and conveyor technology, we help you manage your product range, meet just-in-time requirements and cope with growing e-commerce order volumes. - Digitisation & AI readiness
RFID-enabled bins, real-time tracking and scalable IT connectivity contribute to preparing your logistics for the digital transformation of the electrical industry. - Efficient use of space
Narrow aisle racking, picking zones and modular racking systems enable maximum storage capacity in a minimum of space – ideal for storing cable drums, lamps, fixtures and fittings. - Sustainable packaging & order picking
Multi-purpose MB and XLmotion containers help cut down on single-use packaging and improve your environmental footprint – all the way from the warehouse to the construction site. - Customer experience at the POS
Functional, attractive shelving solutions, UE designed, create clarity and brand visibility in your cash-and-carry stores.
Want to get your logistics ready for the future of electrical wholesale?
Our intralogistics experts analyse your material flows and develop a consistent, scalable solution – for cash-and-carry markets, centralised warehouses and automated distribution centres.