Intro
Van de Velde, a Belgian company renowned worldwide for its high-quality lingerie, was looking for a new, flexible PIM (Product Information Management) solution. Their goal? A system that not only meets their current needs but is also scalable for future challenges.
We developed a tailor-made solution that seamlessly fits the specific requirements of Van de Velde. Together, we built a future-proof PIM system that streamlines workflows and ensures efficient data flow within their organization.
The challenge
Van de Velde had an existing PIM system, but it no longer met their growing demands. They had specific needs that went beyond a standard solution:
- Seamless integration between the PIM system and Bynder, their online image library.
- Automatic linkage with InDesign to generate catalogs.
- Data exchange via JSON messages over an AWS queue to connect internal systems.
- A solution that is user-friendly and intuitive for their teams.
We developed a solution that not only meets these technical requirements but is also practical and scalable.
Our approach
We chose a hands-on implementation process with short communication lines. This approach allowed us to quickly adapt and stay focused on what really mattered. Together with Van de Velde’s project team, we ensured that the right expertise was deployed at the right time, resulting in a smooth and efficient project execution.
The five key steps:
- Data Migration: All data from the existing PIM system was transferred to the new solution.
- Data Processing: Data from the ERP system is delivered via an AWS queue and processed in the PIM system.
- Integration with Bynder: Images from Bynder are automatically linked to the correct objects in the PIM system.
- Data Exchange: Enriched data is sent to internal systems via JSON messages.
- Catalog Generation: Data is made available per season in InDesign for catalog creation.
Solutions and technologies
For this project, we used the powerful PXHub module from Contentserv. This technology made the integration with Bynder and the data flows to internal systems simple and reliable. Additionally, the Comet plugin was used to achieve a seamless connection with InDesign, allowing for quick and easy catalog generation based on current data.
During the project, we encountered some unexpected challenges, such as the fact that file names in Bynder are not unique, which is necessary for the PIM system. We solved this by adding the internal ID of the image in Bynder to the file name in Contentserv, ensuring consistency and reliability.
Results
Although the project has just gone live, the initial results are promising:
User-Friendliness: During user training, it quickly became apparent that the new PIM system is intuitive and easy for teams to use.
Efficiency: Data flows smoothly and automatically, saving time and minimizing errors.
Satisfaction: The customer appreciates our hands-on approach and the speed with which we handled requests and changes.
Future
The solution we developed for Van de Velde is designed with the long term in mind. Each season, new products are automatically loaded from their ERP system into Contentserv, where they are further enriched by the marketing team. The data flows smoothly to internal systems and to InDesign for catalog production.
We are currently fine-tuning the final details. Additionally, we are supporting Van de Velde in setting up Data Quality rules and developing new requirements for a potential second phase. Together, we continue to build an efficient, powerful, and future-oriented PIM system.
Curious about what Yellowground can do for your organization? Feel free to contact us! We are happy to think along with you about the ideal PIM solution for your specific challenges.