PIM implementation and catalog automation for BACHMANN Group

More efficiency through intelligent media management

Kittelberger optimized media management and product communication processes for the BACHMANN Group last year.

After analyzing the print and online processes, it became clear that many manual processes could be digitized and automated. First, a product and media database based on advastamedia® was implemented, which BACHMANN can use as a media management tool. The system therefore includes not only the product information, technical data, marketing texts and the corresponding media, but also the product ranges and translations required to internationalize catalog editions.

With the media management tool and catalog automation, BACHMANN now offers many options: The product and media data is recorded in a central system and, in addition to print output, can now also be used for other output channels such as the web, print and e-catalogs or segment catalogs. “In this way, we not only save costs in new projects, but also ensure consistency and a short time-to-market in our projects with a uniform output,” says Andrea Hartmair, Head of Global Marketing at BACHMANN.

Data, layout, programming — catalog!

Catalogue production, which until then was carried out entirely manually in InDesign, was completely automated by the end of 2020. The next step is to produce further country catalogues in various languages.

At the beginning of the project, the complete product classification was first transferred to the system, which also included the import of BMEcat data and from other sources, as well as the review and revision. In an intensive workshop phase, the various databases in the company were analysed at the start of the project and gradually built up in advastamedia®. While the appropriate translation processes were then introduced, the catalog output was created on the basis of the advastamedia® print framework. Thanks to the integrated reporting module — virtually all catalog content can be checked and visualized based on rules — it was also possible to control the quality of the data directly in the layout.

Catalog automation also increases data quality

Managing Director Jan Kittelberger, who supported the project, explains why the chosen approach makes double sense. “On the one hand, it is increasingly important in the print sector to be flexible in terms of circulation and printing intervals. In combination with the high level of automation in the catalog, BACHMANN has now created the conditions for this. On the other hand, manufacturers' product data quality requirements have been increasing for years. As a result of such a project, this improves almost automatically when the data continues to be used afterwards. ”

After the catalog — is before the next project...

Even before the catalog project was completed, it was clear that the resulting product content would be used in further projects and editions. For example, the introduced system now enables the rapid implementation of assortment strategies; translation processes have been introduced directly in such a way that the languages are obtained depending on the product ranges. The distribution structure of the catalog and the media-neutral content, in turn, are now used for several outputs in the area of online and retailer data.

About BACHMANN Group

The BACHMANN Group, headquartered in Stuttgart, develops, produces and sells products and services for various application environments. These include: electrical components and systems, such as intelligent power distribution units, emotional products, such as award-winning desk connection panels, digital services and solutions that promise superior added value, such as flexible, sustainable office equipment. In addition to production and development centers with a high level of manufacturing expertise in Germany, Romania and China, BACHMANN operates with around 30 sales and partner companies worldwide.