Senior Business Consultant
The challenge
Armatec's customers are increasingly seeking information to make purchasing decisions themselves. Product information plays a central role in this process. However, Armatec's previous system for maintaining product information was cumbersome and required many manual steps. Consequently, it limited the development of sales channels, such as the web.
As a result, Armatec needed a more efficient solution to increase productivity in managing product information, as well as to facilitate cooperation to harmonize and expand the product offering across all its markets.
The solution
Inriver PIM was the tool that best matched Armatec's requirements, and therefore, it was selected. The system would simplify and improve the management of product information, ensuring that it remains up-to-date, relevant, and consistent and supports the customer journey at all stages. Tietoevry, which develops Armatec's web and e-commerce, was selected as an implementation partner in part due to its presence in all Nordic markets.
Read more about InriverAbout the customer
Armatec operates in fluid technology and offers solutions in water, heating, cooling, and process. Armatec's ambition is to offer support throughout the product selection, installation, and maintenance process. Its employees possess in-depth knowledge of products and expertise in technical systems, which need to be reflected in the company’s digital channels.
Read more about ArmatecImproves the customer experience
Improves the customer experience
A single source of product information enables the standardization, consistency, completeness, and enrichment of information across channels, enhancing the CX and facilitating purchasing decisions.
Ease of use, automation, and speed
The system's ease of use, automation, and speed reduce the time and manual effort required to maintain and distribute product information across multiple channels.
Improved collaboration
Clear roles for process steps and information, and automated information exchange between systems, facilitate and streamlines cooperation. This improves collaboration and promotes efficiency.
Inriver was selected after a thorough selection process because it is user-friendly and has many ready-made features out-of-the-box. The flexible data model makes the system highly adaptable and versatile, and Tietoevry has demonstrated the customization possibilities available. So far, we have not encountered any limitations.
Björn Unger
Marketing and Product Manager, Valves and Automation, Armatec
Implementation
The project was carried out in four phases: discovery, solution definition, implementation, and rollout. Throughout the project, PIM experts from Tietoevry worked closely with Armatec's product experts, which was a prerequisite for the project's success. The data model was defined and iterated until a solid foundation for structuring product information was achieved. One challenge was how to handle composite products without duplicating information and effort. The commitment of Armatec's competent staff was a decisive factor in the project's positive outcome.
The project started off strong and was tightly managed throughout. The entire project served as a valuable training opportunity for us, as there was a significant element of "learning by doing." This approach provided me with valuable insights, knowledge, and control over the most critical aspects of the system.
Emelie Winbom
Product Data Manager, Armatec
The Result
Armatec has successfully launched the PIM system for the Swedish market. The external website, webshop, and product data sheets (PDF) now use product information from Inriver PIM. The system and its data model have enabled the further development of the web, including a new product detail page that provides a better and more detailed product presentation, facilitating purchase decisions. Additionally, it is now easier to find and purchase accessories, as well as locate certified products. Customers can now easily access the RSK database (which collects information about the Swedish market's plumbing products in one place), and BIM object from the web, making it simpler for them to include Armatec's products in their solutions.
I appreciate how Tietoevry challenged us during the project. As a knowledge company, we are experts in our products and business, but we may not always have the correct perspective on how to structure product information effectively. Tietoevry brought their experience and expertise to the project, and it was essential for us to be open to their input and suggestions to find even better solutions.
Björn Unger
Marketing & Product Manager, Valves and Automation, Armatec
Shortly after the web development, sales via e-commerce increased. Field sales and customer service also benefit and save time, as the web now contains easily accessible product information of higher quality than before.
Relationships between products are easily accessible on the web, which means that sellers receive fewer questions about which product is right. If a relation is missing, we are instantly notified. The search function makes it easy to find if a product is missing, for example, a manual. Through PIM, I can assign tasks to my colleagues to supplement products, which improves our way of working.
Emelie Winbom
Product Data Manager, Armatec
PIM enables a harmonized, more automated, and more efficient way of working. Armatec's extensive product catalogue has been structured, ensuring that consistent and balanced product information supports purchasing process all the way from the collection of information to the post-purchase experience. The solution can also be extended to include more channels, and streamlines internal collaboration between functions, and markets. PIM supports Armatec's continued competitiveness and solidifies the position as a reliable knowledge partner in fluid technology.
I want to make a case for the efficiency of Inriver PIM. I can accomplish a lot more in a fraction of the time. Previously, launching a new product took me weeks. Now, it can be done in a day with a higher quality of data. This is essential for dealing with the ever-faster changes.
Björn Unger
Marketing & Product Manager, Valves and Automation, Armatec
Next step
Armatec will now continue the implementation of PIM in Finland in 2023, and then with Norway and Denmark. Product information will also be made available in more channels than the web by being integrated via so-called API. There are also further efficiency opportunities by importing product information directly from Armatec's suppliers into the PIM.
