Provision of data at the point of sale with FLEX

Initial situation

Even before the introduction of the crossbase.pim PIM system, FLEX was already transferring data to the cloud-based platform loadbee. However, in order to reduce the high effort of manual data transfers and simplify processes, an automated solution was to be implemented.

loadbee GmbH, based in Echterdingen (Stuttgart), offers a cloud-based platform that distributes crucial product information across channels to points of sale and digital devices. Since its foundation in 2013, loadbee has developed the entire IT solution in Germany and now counts over 400 international brand manufacturers among its users.

Procedure

The company uses loadbee to present FLEX products at the digital point of sale (POS) in the best possible way. The API interface of crossbase is used to output the data maintained in the crossbase software solution in the desired form. This was programmed in such a way that loadbee is supplied with the required information. The product information always remains up-to-date and consistent thanks to the direct export from the database.

The process can be divided into two API calls:

• The first leads to the corresponding language-specific output catalog. The language (German, English or French) and the desired assortment are selected here. A separate JSON file is then generated that corresponds to the loadbee-specific structure. This enables a direct import.
• The media files are made available via the second API call. They are combined in a ZIP file and stored in the corresponding target directory.

The features and media files to be output are controlled via so-called output classes, which can be extended by FLEX in the PIM system at any time.

Result

With the integration of loadbee, all relevant product information of FLEX GmbH is quickly and easily illustrated on the online platforms used. Around 1,300 items in three languages are uniformly displayed with technical data, product details and images in various shop portals. This partial automation saves a lot of time and increases efficiency - an effort that would be almost impossible to achieve manually. Customers reliably find the information they need to make a purchase decision and enjoy a positive shopping experience.