Akeneo PIM as basis for efficiency and consistent product experience

Growing need for optimal product data

As the customer base, assortment and suppliers grew, so did the need for reliable, complete product data. The wholesaler faced challenges such as a mediocre search function on the web shop and time-consuming processes with the proliferation of systems and channels. How could Bus streamline and enrich its product information to benefit both customers and employees? A new PIM system is part of the solution.

Working towards concrete goals

Implementing a new PIM system aligns with Bus' business goals: higher customer satisfaction, growth and efficiency. In addition, a new PIM system provides opportunities to be distinctive in the market with comprehensive product information. These goals were established for the PIM implementation:

• Creating a consistent and uniform product experience
• Improve filtering and findability of products in the webshop and search engines
• Central storage of product information to minimize errors
• Shorten time-to-market through more efficient processes
• Improving data quality as a basis for growth

Akeneo PIM matches ambitions

Which system and which partner matches these new ambitions? That was abundantly clear: unanimously, Bus chose Akeneo PIM with XSARUS PIM Masters as implementation partner. The functionalities that Bus wanted around product creation, digital asset management, data modeling and workflows correspond exactly to what Akeneo PIM has to offer.

Step by step to efficiency

XSARUS PIM Masters implemented the Akeneo PIM system in a controlled and phased manner. This approach allowed the value of the PIM system to be put into practice quickly, without overloading the organization.

More efficient workflows

Together with the Bus team, our PIM Masters took a close look at the existing work processes. Based on what did and did not work, new workflows were drawn up. As a result, processes surrounding the creation, enrichment and distribution of product information are much more efficient. Manual operations and error proneness are significantly reduced.

Optimized onboarding of supplier data

Bus depends in part on the product data it receives from suppliers, often in the form of Excel sheets, where the quality was poor and the data limited. Thanks to the Akeneo PIM system, these files are easily imported. Bus also sets stricter requirements for suppliers, which significantly improves the quality of the supplied data.

Consistent data thanks to 2BA integration

Bus' PIM system is integrated with 2BA. This is a data pool aimed at the electrical and installation sector. 2BA is set up according to the ETIM classification model, a globally recognized standard that ensures uniform classification and description of technical specifications. Through this integration, Bus easily exchanges all product information with suppliers and everyone works with the same standards.

Pragmatic partnership

The partnership between Bus and XSARUS PIM Masters is characterized by a down-to-earth, no-nonsense mentality. With the detailed advice, tooling and scripting of our PIM Masters, Bus was able to handle data migrations and integrations. The data team received intensive user training, so that the knowledge remains secured within the organization. The pragmatic approach strengthened cooperation and led to great results.

Result: efficiency gains and consistent product experience

The more efficient workflows have shortened the time-to-market of new products. Data quality has also improved significantly; important for the new B2B web shop that will soon be realized. Thanks to the reliable, and complete product information, the filtering and findability of products has been optimized. The consistent and uniform product experience also leads to greater customer satisfaction and strengthens the market position of Bus.