JEOL enhances laboratory efficiency through intelligent digital tools

However, with a fast-moving ready-to-wear market, the colossal manual entry of different product data (6,000 color references per season, assortment tracking, product feature updates in different languages, etc.) became extremely challenging. Furthermore, primarily using spreadsheets for this purpose was very time-consuming and error-prone. These files quickly became archaic in the context of Lacoste’s digital transformation and they would often contain numerous data entry errors, which resulted in a slow time-to-market that was harmful to sales. Another major challenge involved variable data such as collections, which must be renewed every six months and had to take into account the difference between the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

Therefore Lacoste needed to adopt a tool that would streamline the creation and distribution of its product catalogs on both its merchant and marketplace sites. This made it clear that Product Information Management (PIM) was the right solution to quickly enrich databases, accurately aggregate content, and shorten time-to-market, all while increasing agility and flexibility.

• Transparent management of data from onboarding to publication.
• Distribution of accurate, relevant, and consistent information to eCommerce sites and electronic catalogs to enhance customer satisfaction.
• Integration of Product Information Management (PIM) and Digital Asset Management (DAM) into the existing system landscape.
• Enablement of batch updates for approximately 40,000 items to significantly improve operational efficiency.
• Quick, one-click search for the latest information on each product.
• Management of collected parts information in line with the ERP, including sales prices, image files, and text descriptions.
• Easy and secure access to product information for employees and partners.

Choosing Contentserv as the foundation for their product information management, JEOL partnered with Exa for project implementation. The solution’s comprehensive functions, flexibility, and scalability were pivotal in their decision. Centralizing previously scattered information was essential for improving operations and reducing manual efforts.

The project commenced in January 2020, experiencing some delays due to the pandemic. However, progress was made when Exa began the construction phase in November. They addressed technical challenges related to centralizing dispersed product information and integrating it with eCommerce sites. Contentserv became the core of JEOL's new after-sales service system, enriching data from the ERP system, centralizing technical information, and distributing it across eCommerce and service platforms.

One of the project's most significant challenges was developing an effective data model, which required continuous reviews and adjustments in conjunction with related systems like the call center and CMS. Contentserv’s advanced data tools were invaluable during this process. The dashboard helped identify missing data elements, and enriched content supported eCommerce operations. Robust workflow capabilities allowed JEOL to pinpoint critical data issues, prioritize solutions, and eliminate manual maintenance tasks.

About EXA

Exa Corporation is an IT services provider affiliated with JFE Steel and under the parent company Kyndryl Japan.

Leveraging cutting-edge technologies, EXA drives the evolution of Digital Transformation (DX), offering comprehensive services from system consulting to development, implementation, and operational maintenance, as well as advanced technologies such as cloud cognitive analytics and IoT:

https://www.exa-corp.co.jp/

Workflow automation has drastically reduced manual labor, positively impacting the information supply chain. JEOL also revitalized its after-sales service system using Contentserv’s solutions, establishing a single source of truth for all data. This centralization makes it easy to access the latest information reliably; adjustments to prices or corrections can now be made seamlessly in one place, eliminating redundant manual efforts.

The ability to produce multilingual catalogs quickly and efficiently has saved considerable time and resources. Looking ahead, JEOL aims to share technical information globally and distribute larger quantities of enriched product content across various channels and markets with Contentserv’s support. One exciting initiative includes digitizing the company’s general catalogs, which were previously printed on paper.

However, with a fast-moving ready-to-wear market, the colossal manual entry of different product data (6,000 color references per season, assortment tracking, product feature updates in different languages, etc.) became extremely challenging. Furthermore, primarily using spreadsheets for this purpose was very time-consuming and error-prone. These files quickly became archaic in the context of Lacoste’s digital transformation and they would often contain numerous data entry errors, which resulted in a slow time-to-market that was harmful to sales. Another major challenge involved variable data such as collections, which must be renewed every six months and had to take into account the difference between the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

Therefore Lacoste needed to adopt a tool that would streamline the creation and distribution of its product catalogs on both its merchant and marketplace sites. This made it clear that Product Information Management (PIM) was the right solution to quickly enrich databases, accurately aggregate content, and shorten time-to-market, all while increasing agility and flexibility.