How Copper State's partnership with Remarcable transforms contractor relationships through enhanced visibility and communication.
Fred Robinson, Director of Programs and Projects at Copper State with 25 years of experience, identified a problem that many suppliers face: "We had a large number of integrations that were creating inefficiencies." These inefficiencies weren't just internal headaches—they directly impacted contractors trying to place orders, track deliveries, and manage their projects.
When suppliers struggle with disjointed systems, contractors experience:
What sets Remarcable apart is our commitment to being a neutral technology partner focused on mutual customer success. As Robinson noted, the partnership began with "a customer request" - a contractor who needed better tools to work with their supplier.
This customer-driven approach defines how we work with suppliers like Copper State:
The core value of the Copper State-Remarcable partnership centers on simplifying the essential transactions contractors need every day:
Contractors can now work from a comprehensive pictorial catalog covering the entire electrical industry. Whether they're in the field on a tablet, in the office on a desktop, or on the go with a phone, they can place accurate orders with visual references that eliminate specification errors.
Orders become "living documents" with message boards and line-level messaging. Contractors can communicate specific requirements, ask questions, and receive updates without disrupting the entire order flow. The system maintains clear documentation that all parties can reference throughout the project lifecycle.
The integration provides real-time visibility into order status, delivery schedules, and documentation. When Copper State coordinates deliveries from multiple locations, contractors see a seamless experience with complete tracking and invoice transparency.
Our EDI integration capabilities, combined with OCR technology, create value for contractors by eliminating the friction points in supplier relationships and automating previously manual tasks:
Automated Data Exchange: Our EDI connections streamline data between contractors and suppliers, automating order transmission, purchase order confirmations, and invoice processing. What used to require phone calls, emails, or manual data entry now happens automatically in the background.
OCR Document Processing: When contractors have paper documents or PDFs, our OCR technology extracts data and converts it into structured information that flows seamlessly into the ordering system, eliminating manual transcription and reducing errors.
Clear Communication: No more phone tag or email chains trying to clarify specifications or delivery details. The platform enables direct, documented communication that keeps projects moving.
Complete Visibility: Contractors can see their order status, track deliveries, and access documentation from anywhere. This transparency reduces time spent checking on orders and allows focus on actual project work.
Reduced Errors: Visual catalogs, line-level messaging, and clear documentation dramatically reduce the specification errors and miscommunications that cost contractors time and money on job sites.
Multi-Supplier Consistency: As we partner with more suppliers, contractors benefit from consistent ordering experiences across their supplier network, reducing training time and operational complexity.
The impact on contractors has been significant. Robinson shares that Remarcable "has streamlined the communication and ordering process" and enabled Copper State to "reduce errors and be more successful in the way we work directly with these contractors."
From the contractor perspective, the benefits are tangible:
As Robinson perfectly summarized: "It really takes the work out of it and you get back to building relationships."
Our commitment to being a neutral partner is critical to contractor success. We're not trying to direct contractor business to specific suppliers or create competitive advantages for one partner over another. Instead, we focus on making it easier for contractors to work with the suppliers they already trust.
This neutrality means:
Robinson observed that contractors increasingly expect integrated solutions: "We're out in the market at trade shows and conventions, and we're seeing customers looking to invest in similar software and ultimately, it's going to result in integrations."
Suppliers who partner with Remarcable can offer contractors:
These capabilities aren't about replacing supplier expertise, they're about amplifying it by removing the operational friction that sometimes gets in the way of excellent service.
The relationship between Remarcable and Copper State exemplifies what Robinson called arriving "at a place of almost harmony." This harmony comes from everyone working toward the same goal: making it easier for contractors to get the materials they need, when they need them, with clear communication and complete visibility.
Our EDI integrations are built to serve all stakeholders:
As the electrical distribution industry continues to evolve, the suppliers who thrive will be those who invest in partnerships that truly serve contractor needs. Technology should remove barriers, not create them. Integration should simplify workflows, not complicate them.
The Copper State-Remarcable partnership demonstrates what's possible when technology companies commit to supplier neutrality and mutual customer success. We're proud to partner with suppliers like Copper State who share our commitment to making contractor experiences better through seamless integration.
Because at the end of the day, our success is measured by one thing: how well we help contractors and suppliers work together.
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Established in 1972, Copper State is a second-generation family-owned electrical distribution company that has been serving electrical contractors for over 50 years. Based on their extensive experience in warehousing and operations, Copper State specializes in providing comprehensive electrical materials and supplies to contractors across multiple locations. Their deep understanding of the electrical industry, combined with decades of operational expertise, has positioned them as a trusted partner for contractors who require reliable material procurement and seamless service delivery.
As a multi-location distributor, Copper State handles complex logistics challenges, coordinating deliveries from various warehouses to ensure contractors receive the right materials at the right locations on schedule. Their commitment to contractor success has driven their investment in technology partnerships that enhance service quality and operational efficiency.
Remarcable is a technology company specializing in EDI integration solutions and digital commerce platforms for the electrical distribution industry. The company focuses on creating seamless connections between suppliers, distributors, and contractors through comprehensive pictorial catalogs, advanced ordering systems, and real-time communication tools.
Remarcable's platform features one of the most extensive product catalogs in the electrical industry, enabling contractors to work from visual references across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices. Their EDI integration capabilities are designed to eliminate communication barriers and operational inefficiencies while providing enhanced visibility throughout the entire ordering and delivery process.
The company's partnership-first approach prioritizes customer success over traditional vendor relationships, working closely with distributors like Copper State to develop solutions that address real-world operational challenges and improve contractor experiences.
Learn more about how strategic supplier partnerships can enhance your contractor relationships and operational efficiency. The right technology partnership doesn't just improve systems—it transforms business relationships and drives mutual success.
