Control over integrations and product data with Workato and Crystallize PIM
Schaap en Citroen, part of Schaap Martens Groep (SMG), operates 25 jewellery stores with exclusive pieces and watches from prestigious brands such as Rolex, Cartier and Patek Philippe. The challenge is clear: manage product information efficiently and gain control over all data flows.
One central PIM system
Within Schaap Martens Groep (SMG), where Schaap en Citroen is part of, two separate ERP systems were used to manage product data. This led to a large amount of manual work, a high risk of errors, and inefficiency. The existing integration solution no longer met the needs either. It was complex, hard to maintain, and required support from an external integration partner for every change. The objective was clear: one central PIM solution, maximum synergy within SMG, and full control over all data flows.
Through PIMvendors, Schaap en Citroen began the search for the right PIM solution and implementation partner. The choice landed on Crystallize PIM and on XSARUS PIM Masters for the implementation and integration.
The objective was clear: one central PIM solution and full control over all data flows
Crystallize PIM with flexible data modelling
The assortment of Schaap en Citroen is highly complex. It includes pre owned watches, loose parts, and jewellery with unique characteristics. Each product requires detailed information: cut, carat, material, movement, glass type, and weight. The flexible data model of Crystallize makes it easy to structure this information. Shapes and components in the model are reusable, relationships are freely defined, and data structures adapt with ease. Even the most complex product data can be recorded in a clear and consistent way.
Integrationplatform Workato
During the project it became clear that the biggest gains were in the integration layer. The automation and integration platform Workato was the perfect solution for Schaap en Citroen because of its ease of use, the visual setup of integrations (recipes), and the ability to manage and expand flows independently after go live.
Complex mapping between PIM and ERP
The biggest technical challenge was the connection between the new PIM system and the two existing SAP ERP systems. Because of the flexible but advanced data structure in Crystallize, the mapping to SAP fields was complex. Our PIM Masters created the blueprint for these integrations, with logic in Workato that determines which systems are triggered when products are created or updated.
Building a solid integration foundation together
Although Workato is intuitive and easy to use, the initial setup for Schaap en Citroen required technical expertise. The experience of XSARUS PIM Masters brought speed to the project and delivered solid integrations between the PIM and the two ERP systems. There was close collaboration with the developers at Schaap en Citroen. Clear agreements on naming conventions, folder structures, and test cases created a strong foundation.
Result: control, speed and scalability
Within six months both the Crystallize PIM system and Workato went live. The first results:
- Full control over integrations and the flexibility to build new flows independently.
- Real time insight into data streams, including Slack notifications in case of errors or disruptions.
- Reduced dependency on external integration partners and therefore lower operational costs.
- One central source of truth for all product information at Schaap en Citroen.
- High quality product information for use across the websites, social channels, newsletters, the two ERP systems, and the point of sale systems.
Further development & optimisation
Now that the foundation is in place, the IT team at Schaap en Citroen manages most Workato flows independently. Crystallize is also performing successfully. The next step is clear: bringing all product groups live in phases and launching a new website based on Crystallize. XSARUS remains involved and supports the more complex challenges and the further optimisation of both Workato and Crystallize.
