Ready for the Future: New PIM System for Bertus Distributie

Retailers and webshops from all over the world buy vinyl and CDs from Bertus Distributie. To simplify the online sales of more than 500.000 titles, Bertus enlisted Squadra’s help in implementing a PIM system. The goal: to manage a vast catalog of thousands of artists, releases and media types, including related images, audio and video clips, to create a future-proof data foundation that supports Bertus’s digital ambitions.

Customer Profile: Bertus Distributie  

Bertus is a leading European music carrier wholesaler that started as a record store in Rotterdam. The company has grown into an international player in the production, sales and distribution of vinyl and CDs. They work with numerous labels and operate across all music genres, from metal and jazz to K-pop.

With a catalog of more than half a million titles, from vinyl and CDs to special box sets, Bertus serves both physical stores and online retailers worldwide. Their customers range from internet mail-order companies to major retail chains, with traditional record stores still making up the majority of their client base.

Bertus is a key player in the niche market of physical music formats, with a strong reputation among independent record shops and specialized retailers. The company continues to evolve in the fast-changing music landscape, where digital transformation plays a crucial role.

The Challenge: Complex Product Data Without A Central Source  

Bertus faced the challenge of effectively managing its extensive product catalog in a digital environment. With over 500.000 titles, thousands of artists and a wide range of media types, there was an urgent need for a structured approach to product information management.

The company had to deal with complex data that included not just basic product details but also rich media content like cover art, artist photos, and audio and video clips. This diversity made it difficult to work consistently and efficiently without a central system.

The growing e-commerce market also demands increasingly rich and accurate product information. Bertus realized that without a strong PIM system, their digital growth ambitions would be constrained. They needed a solution that could not only manage their current catalog but also be future-proof for further expansion and evolving market needs.

The Solution: PIMcore As A Scalable And Flexible Foundation  

Squadra supported Bertus not only in selecting the right PIM system but also throughout the full selection and implementation process. The journey began with a careful evaluation of multiple solutions to determine their suitability for managing Bertus’s extensive catalog.

After a thorough selection process, PIMcore was chosen as the PIM solution, in part because of its flexibility and scalability. NoBears was selected as the system integrator for the technical implementation, while Squadra took on the role of project lead and content expert.

A crucial part of the solution was the integration with the Intershop e-commerce platform. This connection ensures that product information flows seamlessly from the PIMcore system to the online sales channels.

Squadra supported Bertus on several fronts:

• Functional leadership of the entire implementation project
• Complex data migration to transfer existing product information
• User onboarding to ensure a smooth transition
• Accelerated implementation to position the PIM system as the foundation for digital growth

“Thanks to Squadra’s expertise, we quickly implemented a future-proof solution that not only improves our internal processes but also helps us serve our customers faster and better.” - Marco van Putten, IT Manager Bertus

The Result: Efficient Content Organization With Immediate E-commerce Impact  

The implementation of the PIM system has laid a solid foundation for Bertus Distributie’s digital strategy. With PIMcore as the central source of content, the company can now manage its full catalog more efficiently, including all associated media items.

The new system has had a direct impact on the performance of the e-commerce platform. Product information is now standardized, consistent and can be quickly updated and distributed across all sales channels. This results in a better customer experience and increased operational efficiency.

With Squadra’s guidance, a foundation was created for an efficient, sustainable content organization. The PIM system now functions as the single source of truth for all content, positioning Bertus well for continued digital growth and potential international expansion.

This collaboration between Bertus and Squadra highlights the importance of expert guidance in complex digital transformation projects. Bertus can now operate more efficiently and respond more quickly to market opportunities, while offering richer product information to its customers.

Want to lay a strong foundation for your digital strategy as well?

Is your organization dealing with complex data or preparing for e-commerce growth? Squadra can help you select the PIM system that best suits your needs and tailor it to your organization.

Contact us to discover how we can help you build a strong foundation for your product data.