Superheroes can sometimes be found in the most unlikely places. Take Graybar SmartReel®, for example. While SmartReel may not be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, it gives contractors the power to single-handedly move reels of cable weighing up to 5,000 pounds.

SmartReel is an important part of Graybar’s arsenal of solutions to help contractors work safely and more profitably in all areas of the business.

Technology continues to shape the way we serve the changing needs of our customers, both on and off job sites. SmartStock® Select is a perfect example. It’s a best-in-class inventory management system that’s accessible from mobile devices. Customers can see their inventory in real time, scan material on site, create an invoice, and more. And with the Graybar mobile app, customers can place orders on the go, as well.

SmartStock works on mobile devices so customers can use it on the go.

By working with Graybar Advanced Supply Chain Management (ASCM) to improve such things as material management, planning, and digital services, contractors can grow their business and start to see compounding value. In addition to having the products our customers need, Graybar offers innovative job site and back-office services to help contractors become more competitive, efficient and successful.

A variety of specific trouble spots have led Graybar to craft innovative solutions. For example, when a customer had limited space and time to transport material up an elevator in a high-rise building, Graybar’s people came up with the idea for SmartCart, a service that securely stores and dispenses up to 18 reels of wire while reducing clutter and improving productivity.

“Other contractors on the site had never seen this before and were asking how they could get them,” said Manager, Customer Service Tom Egee. “They’re now widely available, and the great thing about them is that they can be configured to specific jobs.” Graybar is also helping customers identify opportunities to reduce waste in their supply chain processes and procedures through Supply Chain Waste Walks.

“If you look at the company’s mission statement, it has everything to do with adding value,” said Director of Operations Steven Horst. “We add value for our customers with innovative solutions and service.”

And it doesn’t hurt that we look like superheroes to our customers when we do it.