Blueprint for Success: Standardizing PIM Across Borders for Bunzl

In this project for Bunzl, Squadra plays a pivotal role in implementing a scalable Product Information Management (PIM) business solution for 15 operational companies across 6 countries. Together with Stibo, a STEP blueprint was developed and first implemented in Denmark.

After this, Squadra was asked to drive and support the further rollout together with a Bunzl PIM Product team in Hungary. So far, the blueprint has been successfully rolled out for 6 OpCos. The result is a stable, scalable solution ready to support Bunzl’s pan-European ambitions and resolves inefficiencies caused by inconsistent product data.

The PIM implementation is delivering other benefits as well. By enhancing the quality and consistency of product data, Bunzl aims to improve the online customer experience, driving higher conversion rates and encouraging larger purchases. The ability to list new items more quickly will also accelerate sales growth.

Customer Profile: Bunzl  

Bunzl was established in 1940 and has evolved into a leading global distributor of non-food consumer products. Bunzl operates in 33 countries worldwide, with approximately 150 operating companies and around 24,500 employees. The company serves multiple core market sectors, such as Retail, Food, Healthcare, Safety and Groceries.

Bunzl Continental Europe, with its headquarters in Amsterdam, delivers a broad range of responsibly sourced non-core yet essential products and tailored solutions across Europe and the Middle East, through online and offline one-stop-shops.

The Challenge: Resolving Product Information Inconsistencies  

Bunzl was dealing with the increasing complexity of managing product data at its European offices. The 15 operational companies (OpCos), spread over 6 countries in Europe, managed their product information in their own different ways. Thus, the organization faced a situation where documented data was inconsistent, and standardization was hard to find across different systems.

This negatively affected not only sales and distribution, but also customer experience and the company’s digital commerce operations as a whole. Bunzl was aware that their organization in Europe would have much to gain if they could implement a consistent PIM-strategy that could give them more room to grow.

The Solution: Select, Design and Implement A New PIM Solution for 15 OpCos  

To tackle their challenges, the Bunzl Product Team partnered with Squadra to design a robust, scalable solution that could unify PIM across all OpCos. The approach combines strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration to ensure a seamless implementation and long-term success.

1. Selection of Stibo STEP as Bunzl’s new PIM System - After an initial package selection, Stibo STEP was chosen as the PIM system to centralize and standardize the management of product information.
2. Development of a Blueprint - A comprehensive solution blueprint was created, including a common product data model, standardized processes, a PIM system and governance model, to scale this standard solution across all 15 OpCos. A Design Board was installed to ensure alignment with the overarching business strategy.
3. Initial Rollout - The solution was first piloted for 3 OpCos in Denmark, managed by a Squadra project manager.
4. Further rollout and Continuous Improvement by Squadra - After the initial rollout, the project was handed over to an internal project manager to oversee the broader rollout across the remaining OpCos, supported by an integrated Bunzl/Squadra team. In this team, Squadra was asked to take the role of Product Owner (PO) to refine the solution as well as roles of Application Consultants and STEP Developers to address challenges during the rollout and support ongoing improvements to ensure scalability and functionality.

“Squadra has demonstrated to be a very valuable and knowledge partner for us. Initially to manage the project on our behalf and later-on also to support us in the rollout and improvements of our PIM (Stibo STEP) solution. They are really business experts in PIM, have in-depth knowledge of the PIM system and always provide that extra mile” - Joris Willemsen, CTO Bunzl Continental Europe

The Result: A Stable and Scalable PIM-Solution for Bunzl  

So far, the PIM solution has been implemented for 6 Bunzl OpCos. The PIM system is stable and fully functional, enabling consistent product information management. Processes and data model have been further optimized based on the initial implementations. The governance model and a competence center, consisting of a mix of Bunzl and Squadra specialists, are in place to support the further rollout and optimization.

The new, standardized processes align with the organization’s ERP system, reducing inefficiencies and enhancing data consistency. The solution is robust and scalable and enables Bunzl to implement it for the remaining OpCos across multiple countries.

To this day, Squadra and Bunzl work closely together to guarantee successful rollouts. As mentioned, Squadra was initially in charge of managing the project through the design and initial implementations and thereafter became part of the Bunzl PIM Competence Center by fulfilling roles as Product Owner, Application Support and Developer to support ongoing improvements as well. This continuous improvement service is provided to multiple customers to enable customers to focus on core functions and gain from Squadra’s PIM expertise and best practices.

Is Your Organization Facing Data Management Challenges?

Whether you are struggling with fragmented product data or looking to scale operations across regions, Squadra can help! Our proven expertise in implementing and continuously improving scalable PIM solutions has supported organizations in achieving consistency, efficiency and growth.

Let’s talk about how we can help you unlock the full potential of your product data.