APC 2013 Annual Report Download - page 21

OVERVIEW OF THE GROUP'S STRATEGY, MARKETS AND BUSINESSES
SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC STRATEGY AND MARKET OPPORTUNITIES
Our competitive strengths 1.4
1
Schneider Electric is a leader in technology innovation and of distribution and direct partners in its industry. This provides us
adapts to changing ecosystems and customer needs. with many channels of access to a market comprised of a broad
and diffuse user base. Our diverse market access channels,
Technological leadership in energy management which support our model with limited capital investment, help to
ensure that we are not dependent on a limited number of large
customers.
We are developing best-in-class technology in energy
Success in our industry requires strong, long-term relationships
management to meet growing customer needs and challenges.
with our distribution partners and end customers and we are
We estimate that nearly 90% of our revenue is derived from sales
therefore constantly seeking to enhance value for them. For
in businesses where we enjoy a number one or two market
example, we provide training to our partners and participate in
position: low voltage distribution, medium voltage distribution
industry efforts to improve applicable regulations and safety
and grid automation, discrete industrial automation and control,
certifications. These efforts and relationships also help to
critical power and cooling. We design products and solutions
reinforce our reputation as a trusted partner and allow us to
that we believe offer the best levels of safety, reliability and
benefit from solid pricing power.
efficiency in our markets. This is achieved through consistently
high investment in research and development, which supports
A global and balanced presence with a strong
our innovative product offerings and our ability to offer our
customers market leading solutions that seamlessly integrate the ability to adapt to local needs
different technologies in our portfolio. As a result, our products
and solutions meet the needs of our customers for simplicity, We have operations in more than 100countries, in a balanced
connectivity, flexibility, productivity and efficiency. Additionally, geographical exposure on a worldwide basis. Due to our large
through an ongoing dialogue with our customers, we are able to footprint, we are one of the few partners of global companies
maintain our very high standards of quality and to anticipate the that look for the highest standards of technology and quality for
innovation that will help drive our future growth. Thanks to their energy management equipment in all their operations
technological leadership, our major brands are among the most around the world. We can therefore optimally serve our global
recognized in our industry. customers. In addition, we have deep-rooted local presence and
Multiple channels of access to a broad and
strong partnerships in all countries to serve the highly-dispersed
part of our customer base. Lastly, with 43% of our revenues in
new economies in2013, we believe we are positioned to capture
diffuse user base the higher growth potential of these markets. Our presence in
many diverse markets ensures that we understand local needs,
We work with many types of partners, such as distributors,
which assists us to serve our customers in each country with
system integrators, contractors, panel builders, electricians,
dedicated products and solutions adapted to local requirements.
machine manufacturers and others, as well as with our end
customers. Schneider Electric has developed the widest network
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2013 REGISTRATION DOCUMENT SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC