Mayer & Co Beschläge GmbH (MACO), a leading innovative supplier of hardware systems for doors and windows, is implementing its new digital product catalogue, MACO eCat, as a comprehensive B2B product experience platform (PXP) for existing customers and prospects.
The challenge
The product range of Mayer & Co Beschläge GmbH (MACO) is diverse, wide-ranging and technically extremely sophisticated. As part of the eCat project, a solution had to be created that could overcome several major challenges at once. In total, more than 20,000 sales items had to be prepared in 33 country-specific market and language combinations in a complete, consistent, clear and digital format for MACO's typical customer groups. In addition to the actual product data, all technical documents, drawings, application information and downloads had to be structured and made available centrally via the online platform.
In order to offer users an intuitive user experience, the eCat had to include a powerful full-text search with product images and at the same time intelligently link all relevant data from PIM/MAM, CMS and interfaces. All of this also had to be implemented within a scalable, cloud-based architecture that could meet international requirements as well as the demands of mobile use and fast performance.
In short, enormous data complexity and a large amount of information had to be bundled into a single, user-friendly PXP platform that was intuitive to use, technically robust and future-proof.
The solution: PIM/DAM and headless CMS as a B2B product experience platform in the private cloud – for MACO eCat
Together with infolox, the new MACO eCat was designed and implemented in the private cloud based on infolox's multi-component approach. The architecture was deliberately chosen to be modern, flexible and future-proof. A headless CMS serves as the central control layer for content, user management, templates and front-end delivery. The Viamedici PIM/DAM/MDM system acts as a reliable single source of truth for all product data and media, while API-first integration ensures high-performance real-time data flows between CMS, PIM, DAM and other MACO services.
This structure is complemented by a cloud-native infrastructure that ensures high scalability, international availability and maximum operational reliability. The result is a system that goes far beyond the function of a traditional online catalogue. The eCat is integrated as a new service in the MACO Partner Portal and expands the MACO Group's range of digital services.
Key points of implementation and functional scope
The technical basis of eCat consists of a headless CMS with an integrated page builder, which serves as a flexible backend cockpit for all content. The fully integrated, scalable cloud architecture enables a high-performance platform that is also available internationally. Viamedici PIM/DAM delivers consistent product data, media and documents prepared by INFOLOX to a NoSQL data storage, while a headless CMS framework including customised extensions from INFOLOX meets all the requirements of a modern B2B online catalogue with powerful search, product finder, target group-specific views and downloads.
The modular structure consisting of CMS, PIM, DAM and API-controlled functional components enables an extremely flexible and expandable system landscape. The platform offers both a freely accessible light version with basic product information and a pro version, which is available via the MACO Partner Portal. In the Pro version, registered users have access to detailed technical drawings, comprehensive application information, 6-page views, drilling and milling diagrams, and specific processing instructions. This is complemented by intelligent navigation and smart hardware set overviews.
Project implementation
The implementation of the eCat followed a clear and proven INFOLOX project methodology: Backend4Frontend, in which all types of information were defined in the new eCat and assigned to the corresponding data source in EPIM. In an intensive analysis and design phase, all relevant processes, data models and the system architecture were first defined. A proof of concept then validated the backend4frontend method and ensured that the chosen architecture would meet MACO's requirements in the long term.
This was followed by technical setup, integration of data sources and filling of the systems. In addition, MACO teams received comprehensive training to ensure efficient maintenance and further development of product data in the PIM/DAM. The flexible headless architecture also enables continuous expansion and optimisation, allowing the eCat to grow steadily as a living platform and adapt to new requirements.
Results and added value
With eCat, MACO has successfully taken the next step in the digitalisation of customer processes in pre- and after-sales and completely replaced the previous TOM catalogue. The new platform offers a future-proof technical foundation for all digital services and creates a stable basis for future expansions.
Efficiency in everyday work has increased significantly: product information can be found, accessed and processed more quickly – at any time and from any location. Queries have decreased noticeably, search times have been reduced and users benefit from a high degree of self-service – the decisive user experience when selecting products.
In addition, the headless architecture offers a high degree of flexibility and makes it possible to integrate new functions, languages, markets and services quickly and efficiently. The cloud-based approach also supports the international growth and global use of eCat.
Why this solution is so impressive
MACO eCat is the result of a strong and strategically focused technology partnership that has grown over decades of collaboration with infolox. This combination has produced a scalable, high-performance and technically sophisticated platform. Designed to meet the modern requirements of retailers, architects and fabricators, the platform provides the ideal basis for responding quickly to future requirements.
ROBERT ANDEXER, Head of the Doors & Smart Products/Service Division at the MACO Group, on the joint project:
"With eCat, we have created a forward-looking, centralised platform – fast, mobile and always up to date. It offers real added value for partners, fabricators and our internal teams. It provides powerful support for our vision of providing even better assistance to our customers in their daily processes of planning, tendering, selection, installation, maintenance, etc. However, we will not rest on our laurels and will continue to develop the applications and incorporate feedback and input from our customers!"
