Time is money. But you cannot save it: all you can do is use it or waste it, and for industries around the world, the key to profitability is being able to use it more efficiently than their competitors. 

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Lindsley Ruth, CEO at RS Group, says that digitalization has enabled businesses to use their time better:

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“We help our customers to get a greater return on their investment in time. Digitalization is at the heart of moving forward, connecting devices to get the data, to make business easier and become the first choice of all of our stakeholders - customers, suppliers, employees, and society.”

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RS Group is an omni-channel distributor of products and services for the industrial segment which has been around for nearly 100 years. It has been a helpful partner in the profitability, safety, and sustainability of its customers. 

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During its long-serving journey of development, RS Group has always been customer-centric and technology-enabled. The company provides access to over three million products through its supply chain and has over 75,000 products in its own brand range, RS PRO to meet the ever-evolving needs of its customers and respond in a dynamic way to emerging trends. 

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Debbie Bowring, President at RS Integrated Supply, explains how the company’s model reduces customers’ operating costs, drives up time and capital efficiency, and reduces risk: 

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“Our model addresses all aspects of the supply chain, providing complete solutions through a total cost of ownership approach. We utilise technology to automate and streamline processes and reduce risks. We analyse data and provide insight to our clients, supporting them to improve profitability and explore new innovations. We allow our clients to focus on their core purpose, whether that be research development and manufacturing of products or the management of large facilities by optimising procurement inventory and operational performance.”

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Data analysis enables RS Group to proactively develop products that customers need or want, and then build an ecosystem around it. To achieve this, the company’s internal programs encourage teams to explore innovative opportunities for novel solutions. 

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Lindsley Ruth says that the Internet of Things (IoT) has been a game changer: 

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“IoT is about connecting devices to the internet to improve our lives. We implement connectivity by providing software to customers that allows us to collect data and turn that into knowledge. We are also selling the products that take advantage of that data and use AI and robotic process automation tools to make business more efficient.”

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With sustainability now an important part of the industrial mission, Andrea Barrett, VP Social Responsibility and Sustainability at RS Group, says that the environment has become a key consideration:

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“A cleaner and greener distribution model will deliver more value for our stakeholders and a triple bottom line benefit for people, planet and profit. One of our big global goals is to be net zero in our direct operations by 2030. We can be a real steward of the global industrial sector supply chain, ensuring it's more sustainable and responsible. If we bring our people, our customers, suppliers, and communities together, we can deliver our purpose of making amazing happen for a better world.” 

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RS Group backs community STEM programs such as Girl Code, a not-for-profit organization that helps girls in Africa to build digital coding and technology skills.  

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Andrea Barrett says that such programs help create a more level playing field for everyone: 

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“Not only are there skills gaps in technology, but there's also a huge diversity divide as well. Girl Code helps young girls to be passionate and learn skills and embark on a career in coding. With this and other grassroots charities, we are working to improve the lives of a hundred thousand people by providing better health, education, and economic opportunities.” 

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Lindsley Ruth believes that the company is leading by example toward a better future: 

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“We can have an impact on the sector by being a positive role model in this industry. We encourage an inclusive environment and build ecosystems and partnerships to help deliver more efficient, effective solutions for customers at a lower cost and to help impact the environment by reducing waste as we move forward.”

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