Case Study – Vent-Axia
Vent-Axia required a flexible, scalable PIM solution with ETIM built inFor over 85 years, Vent-Axia has set ventilation standards and is proud of its heritage as a dynamic British manufacturer. From the World’s first electrically operated window fan to the first App-controlled bathroom fan, Vent-Axia has been forward thinking, innovative and dedicated.
Introduction Vent-Axia
The Vent-Axia range covers residential and non-residential applications and consists of unitary fans, demand control systems, specialist heat recovery and whole-house systems.
Vent-Axia is a trusted brand renowned for its long-standing commitment to high quality, innovation and excellence. The company has been a forerunner in energy-saving Lo-Carbon products. Projects span across residential, commercial, public and industrial sectors.
Product Information Management with EDATA
Vent-Axia is an affiliate member and sponsor of EDATA. EDATA is a data pool for manufacturers to share product information, including images, with wholesalers and distributors for the Electrotechnical and HVAC sector. EDATA is an industry-owned resource of high-quality, e-commerce-friendly manufacturers’ product data for Electrical Wholesalers to use in their websites and digital business processes.
As Vent-Axia is a promotor of EDATA and ETIM (ETIM is an international product data classification model), it recognised good quality enriched product data is essential to help customers further along the supply chain find and choose products.
Challenges and PIM selection
Vent-Axia required a flexible, scalable PIM (product information management) solution with ETIM built in as its core product.
They thoroughly evaluated various PIM solutions to identify one that could meet their specific requirements and selected Proplanet PIM. The Proplanet PIM solution is well-known in the electrotechnical, HVAC and Plumbing sectors; a solution that fits with Vent-Axia’s business and digital company strategy.
KEY PIM Objectives
PIM Implementation
In order to start working with the Proplanet PIM, Vent-Axia needed to collect all their product information and map all product attributes and categories, with the help of Proplanet’s consultants.
ETIM Integration and ETIM Dynamic Access
Vent-Axia mapped its product attributes and categories to the ETIM classification system to achieve ETIM integration, and as a result, its products were accurately categorised according to industry standards. Additionally, Vent-Axia gained access to the ETIM Dynamic database, ensuring its product information was always up-to-date and compliant with industry changes.
EDATA Exports and BMECAT Format
The implemented Proplanet PIM solution enabled Vent-Axia to export its product data to the EDATA repository easily. By aligning its data with standardised formats, such as BMECAT, Vent-Axia ensured that its product information was readily accessible to construction professionals and partners in a consistent and compatible manner.
Digital Asset Management
Proplanet's PIM system includes a robust digital asset management module. This module allowed Vent-Axia to centralise all its digital assets, such as product images, brochures, manuals, and CAD files. Media files are organised, tagged with metadata, and linked to corresponding products, ensuring easy access and distribution of accurate digital resources.
Results and Benefits
Vent-Axia’s implementation of the Proplanet PIM for ETIM integration, easy exports to EDATA, access to ETIM Dynamic, BMECAT exports, and digital asset management led to significant benefits.
Efficient Data Management
Centralised product information management streamlined data updates and maintenance processes, reducing the risk of errors and inconsistencies.
Enhanced Industry Compliance
By aligning with ETIM standards and gaining access to ETIM Dynamic, Vent-Axia ensured its products were accurately classified and up-to-date with industry changes.
Improved Partner Collaboration
Easy exports to EDATA and BMECAT format improved collaboration with partners, distributors, and retailers by providing standardised data for its systems.
Streamlined Digital Assets
The digital asset management system improved accessibility to product-related assets, accelerating content creation and distribution.
Competitive Advantage
Vent-Axia's commitment to accurate, standardised, and up-to-date product information boosted its reputation and credibility in the construction industry.
A competitive edge
By embracing new technologies
Vent-Axia’s successful implementation of the Proplanet PIM solution that integrated ETIM, facilitated exports to EDATA, provided access to ETIM Dynamic, enabled BMECAT exports, and improved digital asset management showcases its dedication to excellence in product data management. By embracing these technologies and practices, Vent-Axia positioned itself as a forward-thinking company with a competitive edge in the dynamic construction market.