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The challenges of doing things manually
The manual handling of product data posed several challenges for Avant Tecno. Their catalog, which spanned hundreds of pages and multiple languages, was manually updated each year—a process that consumed a significant amount of time and resources. Graphic designers were tasked with the repetitive work of creating these catalogs, which increased the risk of errors and inconsistencies.
Additionally, the data model in their existing ERP system was outdated and couldn’t support the advanced requirements of their planned systems. This meant that product data was not only fragmented but also lacked the flexibility needed to be effectively used across different channels. Furthermore, their integrations were custom-made and point-to-point, which made it difficult to distribute enriched product information efficiently. All these issues pointed to one conclusion: Avant Tecno needed a new, more robust system to manage their product information.
How Solteq solved the problem
Solteq was brought in to address these challenges with a custom PIM solution tailored to Avant Tecno's specific needs. The new system provided a single, centralized source of truth for all product information, ensuring that data was accurate, complete, and easily accessible. This change not only streamlined their catalog production by integrating directly with InDesign but also allowed Avant Tecno to automatically generate new language layers with the press of a button. This was a huge improvement over the previous manual process.
The new PIM system also modernized the data model, enabling the enrichment of product data across different channels, which was essential for future scalability. Additionally, Solteq implemented the Solteq Connector as a centralized integration platform. This connector allowed seamless communication between various applications and systems, making it easier to manage and distribute product information. Now, products could be created in the PIM system directly from the ERP system, and any updates made in ERP were automatically reflected in the PIM system, ensuring that all data was up-to-date and consistent.
The process of making it happen
The implementation of the PIM system was a carefully planned and collaborative effort between Avant Tecno and Solteq. The project began with a series of four workshops in November 2021, where experts from both companies came together to discuss the various challenges and requirements. These workshops were crucial in laying the foundation for the project, ensuring that everyone was aligned on the goals and expectations. Following the workshops, the implementation project officially kicked off in early 2022.
Over the next few months, the teams worked closely together to build, test, and refine the system, ensuring it met Avant Tecno's needs. By June 2022, the new PIM system was fully operational and went live. The go-live marked a significant milestone for Avant Tecno, as it signaled the beginning of a new chapter in their product management strategy. The successful implementation was a testament to the strong collaboration between the teams and the commitment to delivering a solution that would drive long-term success for Avant Tecno.
What changed after the PIM system
The impact of the new PIM system on Avant Tecno's operations was significant. One of the most immediate benefits was the elimination of inconsistencies and errors in product information. With all data centralized and easily accessible, the team could ensure that the information being distributed across channels was accurate and up-to-date. This improvement was particularly valuable in maintaining the quality and reliability of their multilingual catalogs. The PIM system also streamlined the process of translating and localizing product information, making it easier for Avant Tecno to cater to different markets without the additional burden of manual work.
Another key benefit was the system’s ability to support faster and more cost-effective scaling of the business. With the new PIM system in place, Avant Tecno could manage and publish enriched product information more efficiently, ensuring that they could meet customer demands quickly and effectively. Overall, the PIM system provided Avant Tecno with the tools they needed to enhance their product management processes and position themselves for continued growth and success in the global market.
