Partner portal with B2B Shop and ERP connection

Overview

Aim of the joint project was the establishment of a new retailer portal with new B2B Shop in the first project phase, which was to be presented to Garmin specialty retailers at the IFA 2010. As general partner Berger Baader Hermes GmbH contracted silver.solutions as specialist for the establishment and integration of the shop as well as for the link-up with Microsoft Dynamics NAV. The shop replaces an existing solution and customer data has to be migrated accordingly from the old system in order to make the transition as easy as possible for specialist retailers. The solutions employed should already consider expansions planned for a second project phase.

The solution in detail

The retailer portal including a design re-launch was implemented by the high-performance CMS from Ibexa by the Munich agency Berger Baader Hermes. The integrated eCommerce solution of the Ibexa platform will be applied in the B2B shop. The proven B2B-Connector will handle the connection to ERP Microsoft Dynamics NAV.

Project requirements were prepared together with the customer, Berger Baader Hermes as well as Microsoft Dynamics Partner Navigate over the course of two workshops.

The heart of B2B is the retailer shop. Garmin products are available in the five product groups of road navigation, sports and fitness, outdoor, marine and mobile. After login, retailers will only see those product groups from the entire product range, which are relevant for them.

A multitude of functionalities were implemented making access to the shop as simple as possible for the retailers. This way, they can visually search the entire portal or just the shop. On the side frame, the instant order form is available at any time for an expedited order. All shop features can be accessed quickly with a button. For example, a list of all products in the retailer shop can be accessed with one button, and also an overview of all orders, delivery slips and invoices.

The product data in the shop is updated by means of regular export from Microsoft Dynamics NAV. Associated images and info on awards are maintained and designated in the backend of the shop. Information on prices and availability are obtained from the ERP.

Particularly useful is the designation of detail specifications and available accessories for a product. This is done automatically via Navision and is always updated accordingly. The retailer will be able to order the matching accessories for any individual item.

In order to sort products beyond the actual categories according to certain topics, the shop is working with tags. This way, a so-called tag-cloud is created which taps shop contents across categories and product areas.

Aside from the shop, the entire B2B portal also has a multitude of add-on features available for retailers. Thus they may, for example, view the current customer data and individual price lists at any time. Individual technologies and terms are explained in a comprehensive overview. Retailers will moreover find support with the help of manuals, design guidelines, logos, experience reports, etc. which can be downloaded.

The result

After the unusually short project duration, Garmin could present a new retailer portal and a new B2B shop for its specialist retailers on time for the IFA. It is intended to expand the solution in the future, so that those retailers can also be served who order the classic way via distribution.