Business Challenge
The client managed product information across spreadsheets, siloed internal databases, and outdated asset folders. Different teams maintained separate copies of technical data, media files, and certification documents — which led to:
- Inconsistencies in SKUs and product variants across departments
- Manual rework to publish or update specs, safety sheets, and catalogs
- Delays in launching new products due to bottlenecks in approvals
- Repetitive tasks for sales and marketing teams when updating dealers
- Complex formatting and duplication when preparing data for print or partner platforms
The goal was to build a structured digital ecosystem for managing product content and digital assets — enabling faster product launches, accurate omnichannel updates, and better cross-team coordination.
Solution
The client, a building mixtures manufacturer and concrete supplier, needed to bring structure to how product information was stored, updated, and distributed. Their catalog spanned hundreds of SKUs across adhesives, additives, sealants, and mix kits, each with different technical attributes, certifications, and supporting media files. Previously, product data was scattered between spreadsheets, PDF archives, and local drives, making it difficult to manage updates or provide consistent information to dealers and partners.
We started by organizing all product-related data in a structured and governed way. The result was a centralized system tailored to how the business actually worked across departments—regulatory, sales, marketing, and product development. Key functions included:
📚 Centralized Product Catalog & Taxonomy
Single source of truth for SKUs, attributes, variants, and kits (mixes/additives), aligned with industry classifications.
🗂️ DAM with Renditions & Rights
Store, tag, and transform images, drawings, certificates, and videos with automatic renditions and usage/expiry control.
📑 Auto‑Generated SDS/TDS & Spec Sheets
Template‑driven creation of Safety Data Sheets, Technical Data Sheets, and product datasheets with version history.
🔄 Omnichannel Syndication
Publish to website, dealer portals, marketplaces, and print exports from one place; schedule updates and channel rules.
✅ Workflow, Approvals & Data Governance
Stage‑gate reviews, attribute completeness scores, validation rules, and audit trails to raise data quality.
🔗 ERP/PLM/CRM Integrations
Real‑time sync for pricing, inventory, BOMs, and customer tiers; supports EDI and custom connectors.
📥 Bulk Import/Export & ETL
CSV/Excel/ETL pipelines with mapping templates to accelerate product onboarding and updates.
Each feature was implemented to serve a specific internal need—from auto-generating compliance documents to distributing consistent content across channels. Rather than forcing change, the system was designed to support the company’s established processes while improving speed, visibility, and data accuracy.
Project Stages
Discovery & Audit: Interviewed internal teams, identified overlaps, and cataloged existing data sources and gaps
Design & Taxonomy Setup: Created product schemas and metadata models to reflect real-world product groups and business logic
Development & Integration: Connected the system to internal ERP and CRM, automated data feeds and document generation
Testing & Rollout: Started with 2 product lines, then gradually onboarded other categories and regional teams
Business Outcomes
- Product content is now consistent across all internal and external channels
- SDS/TDS generation time reduced from several days to a few clicks
- Dealers receive product updates instantly via syndication
- 30% faster onboarding for new product launches
- Digital asset duplication reduced by 80% through centralized DAM
Technologies Used
Drupal: Custom PIM and DAM modules with editorial workflows and data governance
PostgreSQL: Primary storage for structured product content
S3-Compatible Object Storage: Scalable, cost-effective repository for digital assets
Elasticsearch: Fast product search and filtering across thousands of SKUs
GraphQL / REST APIs: Flexible integration points for external systems and partner platforms
CI/CD Pipelines: Automated testing, staging, and deployment processes
Need a Similar Solution?
Need to centralize product data and assets to simplify channel updates and accelerate time-to-market? We help B2B manufacturers streamline PIM, DAM, and omnichannel distribution with structured, scalable software. Let’s talk!
