The Industry Built Us.
Now Let Us Build You.
IDEA provides manufacturers and distributors with the tools they need to effectively manage daily operations—resulting in lower costs, higher profits, and more satisfied customers. We were established in 1998 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED). We are equipped to service all parts of the supply chain: from manufacturer, to distributor, to end-user.
Our mission is to be a single source of complete, high-quality data that allows businesses to make the best decisions possible paired with outstanding customer service.
Connecting the Supply Chain
Manufacturer to Distributor to End User
Our applications help connect the supply chain—from manufacturer, to distributor, to end user—and make business processes efficient, easy and enjoyable for people every day.
Industry Supported
As the joint venture of NAED and NEMA, we continue to set the standards within the electrical supply chain. Our applications, tools and services now extend across a broad range of industries including electrical, industrial, retail and consumer-packaged goods.
Who We Serve
IDEA helps distributors compete with national chains and find the most cost-effective methods for running day-to-day business. We provide the product data you need to sell through web storefronts, mobile apps and traditional methods so you can meet rapidly-evolving buyer expectations.
We help manufacturers bring products to market in cost-effective ways to running day-to-day business more effectively. We provide manufacturers a one-to-many connection so you can strengthen trading partner relationships and differentiate products while lowering operational expenses.
eBusiness standards drive synchronization; synchronization drives efficiency.
Our applications are built on a strong standards-based foundation to help trading partners speak one common language.
How IDEA Works For You
IDEA Connector
IDEA Managed Services
IDEA Exchange
Who We Serve
Testimonials
“ By using the IDEA Connector and Exchange together, our business practices are more streamlined, efficient, and manageable than ever before. ”
John Hoffman
EVP, Sales and Market Development, Legrand North America
“ IDEA has excellent customer service: they're responsive to our staff and our affiliates. I recommend them with confidence. ”
Susan Hilberts
Project Manager, Affiliated Distributors
“ IDEA is an extremely effective liaison to our suppliers. They worked with me day-to-day and were able to facilitate the process of establishing a mutually beneficial electronic relationship with our trading partners. ”
Andy MacVie
IT Manager, Quermback Electric