Improving Data Quality with PIM: A Case Study on IDI Independent Distributors Inc.
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Machine Learning
- Functional Applications - Product Data Management Systems
Applicable Industries
- E-Commerce
- Equipment & Machinery
Applicable Functions
- Procurement
- Sales & Marketing
Use Cases
- Augmented Reality
- Inventory Management
Services
- System Integration
- Testing & Certification
The Customer
IDI Independent Distributors Inc.
About The Customer
IDI Independent Distributors Inc. is a Canadian-owned business that serves the industrial and safety industries. It consists of approximately 104 shareholder owners, over 360 branches, 2,500 employees, almost $200 million in inventory, over $1.3 billion in gross annual revenues, and $900 million in purchasing power. IDI’s mission is to advance the success of its independent corporate shareholders and to work in harmony with them toward the continuation of that success in a free enterprise system. This commitment to advancement and collaboration led the group to explore a Product Information Management (PIM) system for its members.
The Challenge
IDI Independent Distributors Inc., a Canadian-owned business serving the industrial and safety industries, faced a challenge in providing its members with high-quality, enriched product information. The company recognized that its members needed a central repository for data to deliver consistent and trusted product information across various channels. However, smaller individual distributors lacked the resources to deploy a full Product Information Management (PIM) solution independently. IDI decided to invest strategically in a data management solution to help its members compete effectively in the digital marketplace with high-quality content. The goal was to build a vast repository of rich product content and digital assets to aid its members in growing their business across channels.
The Solution
IDI opted for the market-leading EnterWorks Member PIM solution. This solution allowed IDI members to subscribe to content from the master catalog and customize it to their needs. The program leveraged IDI’s product content while also enabling each member to tailor the content to their unique marketing and selling model. All product information and content could be managed under one platform, with a robust set of workflow tools for internal and external collaboration. The PIM system also featured a supplier portal that allowed suppliers to directly import product information. Members could then select the products they wanted, customize the information, and publish the data to their e-commerce websites and catalogs as needed. IDI planned to connect the PIM with hundreds of suppliers to keep the IDI product catalog dynamically updated and validated with the most current information.
Operational Impact
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