APC 2014 Annual Report Download - page 20

1OVERVIEW OF THE GROUP’S STRATEGY, MARKETS AND BUSINESSES
SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC STRATEGY AND MARKET OPPORTUNITIES
Our competitive strengths 1.4
Schneider Electric is a leader in technology innovation and adapts Schneider Electric has developed the widest network of distribution
to changing ecosystems and customer needs. and direct partners in its industry. This provides us with many
channels of access to a market comprised of a broad and diffuse
Technological leadership in energy management
user base. Our diverse market access channels, which support our
model with limited capital investment, help to ensure that we are
and automation
not dependent on a limited number of large customers.
Success in our industry requires strong, long-term relationships
We are developing best-in-class technology in energy with our distribution partners and end customers and we are
management and automation to meet growing customer needs therefore constantly seeking to enhance value for them. For
and challenges. We estimate that nearly 80% of our revenue is example, we provide training to our partners and participate in
derived from sales in businesses where we enjoy a number one or industry efforts to improve applicable regulations and safety
two market position: low voltage distribution, medium voltage certifications. These efforts and relationships also help to reinforce
distribution and grid automation, discrete industrial automation and our reputation as a trusted partner and allow us to benefit from
control, critical power and cooling. We design products and solid pricing power.
solutions that we believe offer the best levels of safety, reliability
and efficiency in our markets. This is achieved through consistently
Global reach with a unique local presence
high investment in research and development, which supports our
innovative product offerings and our ability to offer our customers
market leading solutions that seamlessly integrate the different We have operations in more than 100countries, in a balanced
technologies in our portfolio. As a result, our products and geographical exposure on a worldwide basis. Due to our large
solutions meet the needs of our customers for simplicity, footprint, we are one of the few partners of global companies that
connectivity, flexibility, productivity and efficiency. Additionally, look for the highest standards of technology and quality for their
through an ongoing dialogue with our customers, we are able to energy management equipment in all their operations around the
maintain our very high standards of quality and to anticipate the world. We can therefore optimally serve our global customers. In
innovation that will help drive our future growth. Thanks to addition, we have deep-rooted local presence and strong
technological leadership, our major brands are among the most partnerships in all countries to serve the highly-dispersed part of
recognized in our industry. our customer base. Lastly, with 44% of our revenues in new
economies in2014, the Group believes it is positioned to capture
Multiple channels of access to a broad and
the higher growth potential of these markets. Our presence in
many diverse markets ensures that we understand local needs,
diffuse user base
which assists us to serve our customers in each country with
dedicated products and solutions adapted to local requirements.
We work with many types of partners, such as distributors, system
integrators, contractors, panel builders, electricians, machine
manufacturers and others, as well as with our end customers.
18 2014 REGISTRATION DOCUMENT SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC