Challenges and objectives for AL-KO VT
Right at the project start, the team was faced with an unusual situation: Due to several lockdowns, the entire project communication from pitch to go-live had to happen remotely. The first face-to-face meeting only took place one month after the website went online. The fact that the project was a success despite this difficult situation shows that both elements and AL-KO VT are experts at dealing with challenging situations. To ensure smooth procedures, a weekly video call took place.
Additional challenges included setting up a new structure for product categories and defining data models to depict individual products per client. What’s more, external databases were integrated, cloud hosting was established, and the content was made available in 24 languages.
Overview of project objectives:
- improved user experience
- optimized, central newsroom for all clients
- clear presentation of products and categories for individual target groups
- implementation of an improved CMS/PIM system
- simplified data management thanks to:
- improved data structure
- inherited content
- establishing and solidifying a long-term partnership
Makes life easier: the new CMS/PIM system
The central component of the project which was launched in July 2022 was the system integration of an improved CMS/PIM system. The new software’s many features were all designed to make life easier for users. For instance, AL-KO VT’s content managers can now access Pimcore via a SAML login. The new service portal allows for central access and administration of all content within the AL-KO VT ecosystem. In addition, the customer center pages allow for an appealing presentation of the customer center and its comprehensive B2C services in numerous European countries.
Content management with maximum efficiency: To make life even easier for AL-KO’s content managers, all required forms can now easily be created using a form builder.
Future outlook: other projects in the pipeline
Following the successful project implementation, the collaboration between elements and AL-KO VT continues. In the near future, two more clients of the framework will go online.
To be able to further monitor and optimize the new page structure and product presentation, ongoing SEO support will be established. During the course of this service, optimization potentials with regard to technology and content will be identified to pave the road to future success for AL-KO VT.