Akeneo PXM Champion: SellerX

SellerX relied on manual uploads of product data via flat files compiled from various marketplaces, which was a  time-consuming, error-prone, and unsustainable process. Each marketplace had its unique requirements, and the lack of a centralized data source prevented cohesive collaboration. Smaller acquired brands often lacked a PIM, further complicating data management.

The team also faced challenges in managing constant changes on marketplaces and the complexity of diverse product categories. The manual upload process, while initially fast, was not scalable and increased the risk of errors, such as incorrect uploads to the wrong country, which could have significant negative consequences. This triggered the need for a more efficient and scalable solution.

Having used Akeneo PIM for two years, SellerX had already laid the groundwork for efficient product data management. They successfully centralized their product data from its brand into Akeneo PIM, creating a single source of truth and enriching it with complete and accurate information. This foundational step ensured data consistency and eliminated data silos, providing a solid base for further expansion. 

SellerX’s success is attributed to effectively utilizing several key features of Akeneo PIM:​

• Mandatory Attributes: By defining required attributes, SellerX ensured that every product and product model was fully enriched, enhancing data quality and consistency.
  Enriched Categories: They utilized enriched categories to centralize relevant data, adding structures like “business vertical” or “leaf category” for maintenance purposes.
• Reference Entities: The use of reference entities reduced the workload on maintaining product data that depends on central values, such as color, global brand mapping, and compliance attributes.​
• Rules Engine: Implementing Akeneo’s rules engine allowed SellerX to automate mundane processes, reducing the likelihood of inactivation of products on various marketplaces while freeing up employees to focus on higher-value activities.
• Automatic Imports and Exports: SellerX leveraged automatic exports for internal processes and product listings on several marketplaces without the need for IT support, enabling quick testing and optimization of new developments.

To fully leverage the capabilities of the Akeneo Product Cloud, the next logical step was to implement Akeneo Activation, which enabled SellerX to connect its already enriched and cleansed product data directly to its various marketplaces, automating data syndication and unlocking new levels of efficiency and scalability.

Implementation began in August 2024. The project’s scope involved connecting numerous channels, initially focusing on Amazon across various regions and restructuring its product families based on Amazon’s Feed Product Type.

By combining Akeneo PIM and Activation, SellerX maximized the value of the Akeneo Product Cloud, creating a seamless end-to-end product data management and syndication workflow that empowered them to achieve rapid growth and efficiently manage their expanding eCommerce operations.

SellerX demonstrated remarkable agility and efficiency in leveraging Akeneo Activation to transform its operations. By embracing automation and streamlining workflows, they significantly reduced manual effort and empowered their teams to focus on strategic initiatives. 

In particular, SellerX was able to:

• Activate 18 brands, 157 channels, and 409 catalogs on Amazon in just 6 months
• Automate enrichment to enable offering all products on all marketplaces, achieving 98% product listing on the same day stock is available.
• Quickly adapt to marketplace changes and requirements
• Achieve targeted improvements, such as optimizing attributes for Amazon’s IDQ report