Smart PIM integration for Europe-wide merger success

In close coordination with the Polo Group, we have created a standardized PIM solution for three European markets. This will enable the company to benefit from the numerous advantages of efficient and clear product data management in the future.

The Customer

By combining forces and know-how, the Polo Group has become the strongest e-commerce provider for motorcycle clothing, parts and accessories in Europe.

100.000 Articles
More than 100 Retail-Locations in europe
800 brands
45 percent online-share

Projectdescription

Challenge

The Polo Group is positioning itself throughout Europe with a strong PIM system

As part of the merger project for the Polo Group, the main task was to replace an already implemented but costly product information management system (PIM) for the German market. In addition, the existing ERP system was to be replaced and a comprehensive store relaunch for Germany was already being planned. The challenge was to ensure that PIM could function as a central element for the entire group of companies in future - at the time of the project launch, however, France and the UK were still operating entirely without a PIM system and a change of ERP system was also planned for France. In order to keep the complexity within limits, the focus was on a PIM for the German market that could later be adapted to the respective market in terms of language and content.

Solution

Creation of a generalist interface for all required data

The technical challenges of the Polo Group merger project were overcome using an agile and iterative project approach. A modular PIM was implemented, starting with a minimum viable product (MVP) and gradually developing into a minimum marketable product (MMP). A central aspect was the creation of a generalist interface for data consumption and delivery, which was connected across the group. To this end, Lobster was used as middleware for Germany to enable seamless data integration. To achieve the golden record, redundant local products were merged via Match & Merge.

Result

One PIM for three European markets

For the Polo Group, the result of the merger project is an important milestone for the future direction of the group of companies. We have succeeded in merging three differently operating companies into a single PIM, thereby achieving a significant increase in efficiency in product data management. The golden record, which is now guaranteed across the entire Group portfolio, provides a consistent and high-quality database for all relevant business areas. This standardization of data has enabled synergies in asset production, for example, as resources can now be used more efficiently. We were also able to achieve improvements in translations, portfolio management and strategic purchasing. The Group-wide use of the PIM has therefore not only optimized operational processes, but also created the opportunity to make even more targeted business decisions based on a solid data foundation.