Internationalization with the help of inriver PIM

The challenge

The diversity of distribution channels presents major challenges in managing product information. Within the CHASIN' organisation, there was the desire to better streamline internal processes and work more efficiently in order to achieve operational excellence. This was one of the reasons for seeking a Product Information Management solution. Additionally, CHASIN' has significant international growth ambitions, making the need for operational excellence even greater. A third additional goal of implementing a PIM solution is to enhance marketing effectiveness.

Inriver PIM

CHASIN’ chose inriver PIM. One important reason for this choice is the SaaS approach of inriver PIM. Many functionalities are already included by default. In addition, there is the option to add specific requirements, such as those related to the photo studio process.

Implementation

When XSARUS came into view and took on the inriver implementation, the existing IT landscape of CHASIN' was first critically examined. Due to the extensive experience XSARUS has gained in the field of PIM, XSARUS knows like no other how important a good foundation is.

After an initial analysis, the data model was converted from a 2-layer to a 3-layer model based on inriver Best Practices. This resulted in a more comprehensive model, allowing the hierarchy of product information to be better represented. Specific functionalities within inriver have also been properly set up and streamlined with other processes within the organisation.

• Photo studio process: a file name convention has been established for the photo studio process. When the photographer submits a file with a certain convention, inriver knows whether it is an image with, for example, a front or side view. The photo is also automatically uploaded and linked to the correct product in inriver. Then photos can be approved or rejected in inriver. When rejecting photos, comments can be made for the re-shoot.
• Resources are now accessed through the XSARUS CDN (XCDN). This tool is responsible for hosting all available images. The tool offers the freedom to request all images in optimal resolutions using unique URLs.
• A Resource Transfer solution has been added. All assets can be linked to a campaign in inriver, after which the assets can be sent as a campaign in one go. A URL is created that can be opened with a password. This is useful for example when high-resolution photography or marketing communications need to be sent to a B2B partner in one set.
• In addition to these functionalities, one of the most important and valuable additions for CHASIN’, is the fully set-up workflow process within inriver.

Workflows: 'Harmony in workload'

All activities related to product information management are monitored in inriver. The Product Management department already starts filling information in inriver as soon as a new product is developed. In the next step, marketing and photography work on enriching the information with marketing texts, translations and images. Thanks to the organised photo studio process, the photography is assessed in inriver and then approved or disapproved. Only after the photos are approved does the workflow continue to the E-commerce department. There the last details are added and the appropriate sales channels are selected.

This new way of working means all departments are more closely involved in the product information management process.

Internationalisation CHASIN’

Inriver also plays a major role in the international growth CHASIN’ is experiencing. Thanks to the use of inriver, it is much easier to add new distribution countries. The speed at which this is achieved is much higher than before. Not only is the ability to quickly expand distribution channels a major asset for CHASIN’. The quality of the data has also improved significantly.

Data Quality

The fact that data quality has improved is partly due to the previously mentioned optimised data model in combination with the established workflows. Previously, certain detail fields were not filled in or did not exist. This kind of information was therefore not shown to the consumer. With the implementation of inriver and the central place it now occupies in CHASIN’s IT landscape, information is imported and supplemented in inriver on a more detailed level.

Integrations

Inriver is one of the four systems that occupies a central role within CHASIN’s IT landscape. Logically, ERP is also one of them and inriver and the ProFashion All (PFA) ERP system are linked so that information can be exchanged between the systems. Furthermore, a connection is made to a service bus which is responsible for distributing product information to, among others, marketplaces and CHASIN's e-commerce channels (Adobe Commerce).

Collaboration

The collaboration between CHASIN’ and XSARUS went smoothly. Because it was a takeover of an existing inriver implementation and the foundation was already there, XSARUS could quickly start optimising inriver according to CHASIN’s requirements.

Result

That inriver is of added value to CHASIN’ is clear: better workflows, improved data quality, more consistent omnichannel customer experience, faster time-to-market, and the ability to expand distribution channels faster. The collaboration continues, as optimising product information management is an ongoing process.