Online store and PIM integration

Solteq implemented an online store including an integration solution for managing product information for E.Ahlström - the well-known restaurant supplier, wholesaler and since recently, also service and design house. A significant part of E.Ahlström's business is now online, and therefore versatile functionalities of the online store, its operational reliability and flexibility, as well as the accuracy of product information are business-critical factors for the company. The e-commerce solution serves both B2B customers in the restaurant business and consumers (B2C customers).

"Concerning the new e-commerce platform, what was important to us was continuous development and wide-ranging possibilities for customizing the platform according to our needs. With the renewal project, we sought an increase in turnover and efficiency of operations. Updating our previous online store was laborious and producing content was limited," explains Petri Nupponen, CEO of E.Ahlström.

Teamwork towards success

E.Ahlström set clear goals for the renewal of the online store and integration solution. In terms of online shopping, the goals were related to growing the business: The company wanted to offer customers smooth transactions no matter when they were shopping. An upgrade of product information was sought for efficiency through automation and seamless integration. 

"The share of online business in the company's turnover has clearly increased. So have conversions. Interruptions in the ordering process, which were a challenge in the past, have been minimized, and customers generally carry their orders through to the end. In addition, we are now able to independently produce content for both the online store and our product offerings. We have received positive customer feedback about the appearance and functionality of the online store," describes E.Ahlström's digital director Riikka Hytönen. 

The desired result has been reached with seamless cooperation and a strong team spirit. Hytönen is satisfied with the partnership with Solteq: 

"The cooperation with Solteq has been smooth and uncomplicated from the beginning. The people in Solteq are really competent, and our needs have served as the starting point for joint solution creation. The project and development work have been carried out as a united team, and there has been no need to get back to the agreement once we signed it. We have been given the feeling that we are important as a customer. Thank you very much for that!”