Centralized product data and automated catalogs – Digital by design
Strack Norma optimizes product data with PIM system
Together with valantic, Strack Norma implemented an efficient catalog production process, a centralized data foundation, and SAP integration using Contentserv PIM and priint:comet.
About Strack Norma GmbH & Co. KG
Strack Norma GmbH & Co. KG develops and manufactures standard parts for tool and mold making with around 100 employees and supplies them worldwide. Founded in 1921 in Lüdenscheid, the family-owned company is now one of the leading suppliers of standard parts in Europe. The claim THINK. TECH. STRACK. expresses the company’s unique positioning: THINK stands for innovative developments in tool and mold making, TECH for customer-specific special designs, product modifications, and individual solutions, and STRACK for the wide range of standard products. Strack Norma holds patents for innovations in areas such as slide units and latch lock systems.
Challenge
Strack Norma was faced with the urgent need to replace its existing MS Access product database and establish a future-proof product data strategy. The company was looking for a solution that would:
- enable centralized management of product and media data (Single Source of Truth)
- support automated, multilingual catalog production
- ensure seamless integration with the existing ERP system
- provide a scalable foundation for future digitalization projects
A particular focus was placed on the rapid migration and productive use of the new system for creating multilingual print catalogs with up to 1,100 pages.
Consulting approach
valantic supported Strack Norma by:
- Evaluating suitable systems (PIM, MAM, Database Publishing)
- Defining requirements in collaborative workshops
- Selecting the optimal solution for data management and print automation
The decision was made to implement the Contentserv PIM system with integrated Media Asset Management and priint:comet by Werk II for efficient print production based on Adobe InDesign.
Customer benefit and solution
- Single Source of Truth
Centralized storage of product and media data – consistent, structured, and always up to date. - Automated Catalog Production
Creation of up to 1,100-page catalogs at the click of a button – multilingual, efficient, and without manual layout processes. - Marketing Efficiency
Less manual effort thanks to automated data processes – more time for creative and strategic work. - Faster Time-to-Market
Significantly increased responsiveness to customer requirements and market changes. - Scalable System Architecture
Robust foundation for future digital initiatives and integrations. - Integrated Asset Management
Centralized management, linking, and output of digital media – seamless and context-based.
The Challenge
Strack Norma GmbH & Co. KG is a leading supplier of standard parts for tool and mold making based in Lüdenscheid with around 100 employees. The company had an outdated MS Access product database that did not allow scalable, centralized management of product and media data.
With growing product complexity and increasing internationalization, it became increasingly difficult to efficiently create multilingual catalogs, keep product information up to date and reliably transfer data to ERP systems, customers and sales partners.
A particularly high level of manual effort was required to create the print catalogs, which comprise up to 1,100 pages.
Solutions & detailed results
valantic supported Strack Norma in the evaluation, selection and introduction of a modern PIM and database publishing system that meets current and future requirements.
Project Goal
The aim of the project was to build a future-proof, central database (single source of truth) that enables automated catalog production, offers a seamless ERP connection and creates a scalable basis for further digitization projects.
Project duration and scope
The project was successfully implemented within a few months. The migration of the inventory data, the data model, the system implementation and the print automation with priint:comet were all supported by valantic. The scope included
- Workshops to define requirements
- Selection process for PIM and database publishing
- Data consolidation and cleansing
- Implementation and training
