An online shop as a sales channel

Online sales channels have been gaining in importance for years. While the development of sales in the B2C customer segment can hardly be stopped, B2B buyers also recognise the great added value of digital procurement channels.

Although the potential of B2B online shops is huge, many companies complain about implementation obstacles – especially with regard to complexity, missing interfaces or unsuitable product data.

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100 billion

is the eCommerce turnover of physical goods to B2C customers in 2022.

1.486 billion

is the B2B eCommerce turnover for 2021

49%

of all B2B buyers use digital ordering channels, such as online shops or marketplaces.

We have been developing sales platforms for globally established, successful companies for over 12 years

Trust our customers and see for yourself! We're happy to let our work speak for itself.

fischerwerke

[Translate to Englisch:] fischerwerke

eCommerce ecosystem at fischerwerke

Together with Smart Commerce, fischerwerke has built a powerful eCommerce platform based on composable commerce, offering maximum flexibility, scalability, and customer focus. With over 55 websites, mobile apps, and digital services, a future-proof system has been created that delights B2B and B2C customers worldwide. The focus is on data-driven decisions, seamless user experiences, and tight integration of all systems.

  • myfischer self-service portal for B2B customers
  • Omnichannel platform with SAP Commerce Cloud & GraphQL
  • Personalization & digital services such as the fischer Academy

Get to know more

FÖRCH

[Translate to Englisch:] FÖRCH

FÖRCHs Omnichannel Strategie

Theo Förch GmbH & Co. KG has fundamentally modernized its eCommerce strategy with Smart Commerce and positioned itself as a digital pioneer in B2B commerce. The focus was on building a scalable omnichannel platform based on SAP Commerce Cloud with an international multi-site rollout. The traditional field service was meaningfully supplemented with digital services – without losing personal contact. The modern web shop with PWA functionality, customized customer pricing, and integrated eProcurement solutions offers a holistic user experience across all devices.

  • Tool and cost center management with inventory functionality
  • Hazardous materials management including a customized portal solution
  • Customer-specific pricing & eProcurement interfaces (SAP OCI, cXML, etc.)

Get to know more

Helukabel

[Translate to Englisch:] Helukabel Logo

Holistic support for Helukabel

Smart Commerce supported Helukabel in the successful implementation of a global e-commerce solution. This began with the development of a centralized strategy for internationalization and continued with the implementation of concrete measures:

  • Centralized platform: Development of a unified e-commerce platform that can be flexibly adapted to the requirements of 36 countries.
  • Communication & planning: Close collaboration with the national subsidiaries to consider regional specificities, overcome language barriers, and ensure clear, efficient communication.
  • Process optimization: Development of a centralized solution that enables long-term time and cost savings and avoids individual, isolated solutions.

Ensinger Plastics

[Translate to Englisch:] Ensinger Plastics Logo

Ensinger: From system selection to the eCommerce ecosystem

The collaboration between Smart Commerce and Ensinger began with detailed requirements engineering, which yielded numerous advantages for the subsequent project progress. Thanks to the joint system selection, the project team was then able to move directly and efficiently into the implementation phase. Key decisions had already been made on a sound basis, and the project backlog for implementation had been prepared and structured. The rationale behind the requirements was retained and communicated to the development team. Furthermore, all necessary coordination with key stakeholders such as IT and marketing had taken place, enabling seamless integration into the customer structures. Not only is the eCommerce platform now online, Smart Commerce also carried out the CMS selection and implementation for Ensinger, as well as the PIM system.

Get to know more

SEEFELDER

[Translate to Englisch:] SEEFELDER Logo

Extended customer portal at SEEFELDER

SEEFELDER, together with Smart Commerce, has built a modern, scalable eCommerce platform based on a composable commerce architecture. With Spryker as a flexible commerce backend and FactFinder for intelligent product searches, a high-performance, user-centric shopping experience was created. The system is complemented by the Informatica Product 360 PIM, which ensures consistent product data across all channels. The migration to Microsoft D365 and the MACH architectural approach also ensure long-term innovation capability and seamless system integration. Smart Commerce supports SEEFELDER as a full-service partner in all phases – from strategy to implementation.

  • Spryker Commerce OS as a scalable backend platform
  • FactFinder & Elasticsearch for smart product searches
  • Informatica Product 360 as the central PIM for omnichannel data maintenance

Get to know more

BOMAG

[Translate to Englisch:] BOMAG Logo

Spare parts shop at BOMAG

With Smart Commerce, BOMAG has created a global eCommerce platform that combines dealer and end-customer systems and is tailored to the requirements of international markets. The focus was on scalability, user-friendliness, and seamless ERP integration. The platform offers personalized access, country-specific forwarding, and global address validation – thus forming the basis for a future-proof digital sales strategy.

  • Closed Shop with Single Sign-On
  • Global Address Validation (Informatica AddressDoctor)
  • ERP Integration with Shopping Cart Simulation and Serial Number Resolution

Get to know more

Kion Group

[Translate to Englisch:] Kion Group Logo

Kion Group: Multibrand and multiclient eCommerce platform for a large corporation

eCommerce in a large corporation means automation along the customer journey. Nevertheless, the KION Group, the world's second-largest forklift manufacturer, is creating a bridge between future-proof eCommerce and a personalized customer experience. Smart Commerce bridged the gap between large-scale customer sales and many small new customers with a multi-brand, multi-tenant platform for the KION Group. Thanks to the use of hybrid sales models for complex products and the integration of CRM and eCommerce, it was possible to:

  • Spare parts shop, vehicle rental, used products
  • Multi-brand themes
  • Fast rollout

Get to know more

Berner Group

[Translate to Englisch:] Berner Group Logo

Berner Group on the Cloud

With Smart Commerce, the BERNER Group has built a central B2B commerce platform that meets the complex requirements of its 23 national subsidiaries. The goal was to combine individual pricing logic, catalog structures, and purchasing processes into a scalable solution. The platform is based on the SAP Commerce Cloud and has been enhanced with specific extensions – including the mapping of over 60 million price variants and flexible approval processes. Smart Commerce was responsible for the entire technical implementation and further development.

  • SAP Commerce Cloud with over 60 million price variants
  • Centralized management & regional adaptability
  • Integration & expansion of existing SAP systems

Get to know more

fischerwerke

[Translate to Englisch:] fischerwerke

eCommerce ecosystem at fischerwerke

Together with Smart Commerce, fischerwerke has built a powerful eCommerce platform based on composable commerce, offering maximum flexibility, scalability, and customer focus. With over 55 websites, mobile apps, and digital services, a future-proof system has been created that delights B2B and B2C customers worldwide. The focus is on data-driven decisions, seamless user experiences, and tight integration of all systems.

  • myfischer self-service portal for B2B customers
  • Omnichannel platform with SAP Commerce Cloud & GraphQL
  • Personalization & digital services such as the fischer Academy

Get to know more

FÖRCH

[Translate to Englisch:] FÖRCH

FÖRCHs Omnichannel Strategie

Theo Förch GmbH & Co. KG has fundamentally modernized its eCommerce strategy with Smart Commerce and positioned itself as a digital pioneer in B2B commerce. The focus was on building a scalable omnichannel platform based on SAP Commerce Cloud with an international multi-site rollout. The traditional field service was meaningfully supplemented with digital services – without losing personal contact. The modern web shop with PWA functionality, customized customer pricing, and integrated eProcurement solutions offers a holistic user experience across all devices.

  • Tool and cost center management with inventory functionality
  • Hazardous materials management including a customized portal solution
  • Customer-specific pricing & eProcurement interfaces (SAP OCI, cXML, etc.)

Get to know more

Helukabel

[Translate to Englisch:] Helukabel Logo

Holistic support for Helukabel

Smart Commerce supported Helukabel in the successful implementation of a global e-commerce solution. This began with the development of a centralized strategy for internationalization and continued with the implementation of concrete measures:

  • Centralized platform: Development of a unified e-commerce platform that can be flexibly adapted to the requirements of 36 countries.
  • Communication & planning: Close collaboration with the national subsidiaries to consider regional specificities, overcome language barriers, and ensure clear, efficient communication.
  • Process optimization: Development of a centralized solution that enables long-term time and cost savings and avoids individual, isolated solutions.

Ensinger Plastics

[Translate to Englisch:] Ensinger Plastics Logo

Ensinger: From system selection to the eCommerce ecosystem

The collaboration between Smart Commerce and Ensinger began with detailed requirements engineering, which yielded numerous advantages for the subsequent project progress. Thanks to the joint system selection, the project team was then able to move directly and efficiently into the implementation phase. Key decisions had already been made on a sound basis, and the project backlog for implementation had been prepared and structured. The rationale behind the requirements was retained and communicated to the development team. Furthermore, all necessary coordination with key stakeholders such as IT and marketing had taken place, enabling seamless integration into the customer structures. Not only is the eCommerce platform now online, Smart Commerce also carried out the CMS selection and implementation for Ensinger, as well as the PIM system.

Get to know more

SEEFELDER

[Translate to Englisch:] SEEFELDER Logo

Extended customer portal at SEEFELDER

SEEFELDER, together with Smart Commerce, has built a modern, scalable eCommerce platform based on a composable commerce architecture. With Spryker as a flexible commerce backend and FactFinder for intelligent product searches, a high-performance, user-centric shopping experience was created. The system is complemented by the Informatica Product 360 PIM, which ensures consistent product data across all channels. The migration to Microsoft D365 and the MACH architectural approach also ensure long-term innovation capability and seamless system integration. Smart Commerce supports SEEFELDER as a full-service partner in all phases – from strategy to implementation.

  • Spryker Commerce OS as a scalable backend platform
  • FactFinder & Elasticsearch for smart product searches
  • Informatica Product 360 as the central PIM for omnichannel data maintenance

Get to know more

BOMAG

[Translate to Englisch:] BOMAG Logo

Spare parts shop at BOMAG

With Smart Commerce, BOMAG has created a global eCommerce platform that combines dealer and end-customer systems and is tailored to the requirements of international markets. The focus was on scalability, user-friendliness, and seamless ERP integration. The platform offers personalized access, country-specific forwarding, and global address validation – thus forming the basis for a future-proof digital sales strategy.

  • Closed Shop with Single Sign-On
  • Global Address Validation (Informatica AddressDoctor)
  • ERP Integration with Shopping Cart Simulation and Serial Number Resolution

Get to know more

Kion Group

[Translate to Englisch:] Kion Group Logo

Kion Group: Multibrand and multiclient eCommerce platform for a large corporation

eCommerce in a large corporation means automation along the customer journey. Nevertheless, the KION Group, the world's second-largest forklift manufacturer, is creating a bridge between future-proof eCommerce and a personalized customer experience. Smart Commerce bridged the gap between large-scale customer sales and many small new customers with a multi-brand, multi-tenant platform for the KION Group. Thanks to the use of hybrid sales models for complex products and the integration of CRM and eCommerce, it was possible to:

  • Spare parts shop, vehicle rental, used products
  • Multi-brand themes
  • Fast rollout

Get to know more

Berner Group

[Translate to Englisch:] Berner Group Logo

Berner Group on the Cloud

With Smart Commerce, the BERNER Group has built a central B2B commerce platform that meets the complex requirements of its 23 national subsidiaries. The goal was to combine individual pricing logic, catalog structures, and purchasing processes into a scalable solution. The platform is based on the SAP Commerce Cloud and has been enhanced with specific extensions – including the mapping of over 60 million price variants and flexible approval processes. Smart Commerce was responsible for the entire technical implementation and further development.

  • SAP Commerce Cloud with over 60 million price variants
  • Centralized management & regional adaptability
  • Integration & expansion of existing SAP systems

Get to know more

Success Story: Becoming the market leader with composable commerce - How fischerwerke is continuously gaining a competitive edge thanks to its high level of adaptability in eCommerce.

How does a traditional brand manage to set digital standards in a dynamic B2B environment? fischerwerke impressively demonstrates how a long-term strategic partnership and a customer centricity strategy can create a highly scalable and highly successful eCommerce platform that offers a comprehensive self-service center with innovative services for customers. Thanks to modern technologies such as composable commerce, microservices and SAP Commerce Cloud as well as a special innovation process, fischer has been able to continuously expand its online offerings - right up to market leadership in the industry. A story about flexibility, smart architecture and genuine partnership.

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Data-based for sustained eCommerce success

Numerous studies demonstrate that the digitalization of sales processes is extremely important in B2B commerce (also – albeit at a very high level – the digitalization of field sales). 90% of all B2B companies consider the digitalization of sales structures, sales processes, and field sales as their top priority. Those who fail to keep pace will not only be left behind, but will increasingly struggle to reach new customer groups and lose existing customers to digital competitors.

We support you in building a future-proof online shop that integrates seamlessly into your system landscape. Together with us as your strategic partner, we can master this complexity and position your business for long-term success.

More eCommerce studies

[Translate to Englisch:] Onlineshops sind der Nr 1 Vertriebskanal

Your first step towards a digital sales channel

As a full-service provider, we are happy to support you from planning through development, optimization, and operation of your digital platforms. With our expertise from over 60 eCommerce projects, we are ideally equipped to handle even the most unique cases with our solutions.

1. We plan your online shop

The goals and requirements of our customers are the focus when developing each individual eCommerce solution. Our digital consulting experts analyze your business case and, based on your specific requirements, develop a realistic eCommerce plan for your online business. We support you from the conception and evaluation of business models across the entire eCommerce environment through to the development of a detailed eCommerce requirements specification as the basis for the software solution. We work closely with leading technology and platform providers and carry out an eCommerce platform selection including all interconnected systems. But our planning doesn't stop after the selection. We support you during and after the project so that you always have a transparent view of the goal and the necessary resources, based on our experience.

[Translate to Englisch:] Smart Commerce Consulting Ansatz
[Translate to Englisch:] SEEFELDER Plattform Features

2. We develop your online shop with all the desired features

Excellent eCommerce strategies, concepts, requirement specifications, and implementation planning require professional execution. We typically adapt established standard software products such as Intershop, SAP Commerce Cloud, or Sitecore Commerce to our customers' specific requirements and integrate them into existing systems. Migrating legacy systems to state-of-the-art systems is also part of our core business. Our experienced project management, web design, developers, and strategic consultants work closely together during implementation. This ensures the transparent setup of the project infrastructure, the web design of the online shop, especially the storefront, system integration with third-party systems, and finally, customization (functional adaptations of the standard software products). Our project-experienced employees are familiar with the best eCommerce standard software products and use the best configuration and optimal customization for you when implementing customer-specific systems.

3. We optimize your online shop

Following successful implementation, we conduct structured reviews. This allows us to continuously optimize the eCommerce architecture, its implementation, and code quality, improve performance, and ensure a scalable, high-performance, and operational software design. Continuous improvement is essential to optimizing eCommerce. This is often referred to as the continuous improvement loop or the path to the "ideal eShop." Adjustments are made, effects are analyzed and measured, and better variants are identified through testing. We have a variety of options available for improvement, and we apply them differently depending on the client project.

[Translate to Englisch:] Symbolbild Webanalyse
[Translate to Englisch:] Teaser Ensinger Successstory

Success Story: From vision to realisation: Ensinger's eCommerce transformation

Ensinger, a leading supplier in the plastics industry, was faced with the challenge of transferring its extensive product range and complex corporate structures to the digital world. Together with Smart Commerce, Ensinger developed a customised eCommerce strategy and a comprehensive requirements matrix. The resulting system selection ultimately enabled a seamless transition to the implementation phase of the selected shop software and a successful transition of the various business areas into the eCommerce age.

 

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How do you develop your own online shop cost-effectively and time-efficiently?

Choosing the right system

When selecting an online shop system, functionality, flexibility, scalability, and user-friendliness are paramount. The system should be able to cover all the necessary functions for eCommerce operations, such as product management, ordering processes, payment options, and shipping. It should be flexible enough to accommodate individual requirements and business processes. A good user experience and an efficient ordering process are particularly important for B2B customers, as they often place larger orders and are frequently repeat customers. An online shop system that meets these requirements can therefore help increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Integrations with other systems are necessary to build an efficient and automated process landscape. Smart Commerce supports you in selecting the right system and integrating it into your eCommerce system landscape. A structured requirements analysis is used to select a suitable solution tailored to your specific needs.

To our system selection

The essential features you can't do without in your online shop!

A modern online shop must offer much more than just the ability to order products online. To meet the complex needs of business customers, the following digital services should be included:

1. Pre-purchase phase - Intelligent pre-purchase services:
Companies should be supported by smart tools even during the orientation phase. This includes, for example, a product finder that guides users directly to the right product. Calculators and material dimensioning software for project planning, as well as in-depth product advice, are also crucial. Digital planning tools (online configuration) round out this phase.

2. Purchase phase - Efficient and automated purchasing processes:
Recurring orders can be optimized through subscription offers and automatic reorders, ideally supported by AI. Cost center management, barcode scanners, quick orders, and simple requests for proposals (RFPs) also contribute to process optimization.

[Translate to Englisch:] FÖRCH Onlineshop Features
[Translate to Englisch:] Umfrage Top 6 Services im Onlineshop

3. Post-purchase phase - Transparent tracking & service after the purchase:
Buyers expect complete transparency – e.g., through live order tracking and the ability to precisely determine the drop-off location. A photo of the delivery location documents successful delivery. Digital insight into order histories across all channels, easy returns processing, and analyzable order statistics are also standard today.

4. Comprehensive, service-oriented functions:
A professional B2B shop integrates live chats with customer service, chatbots, WhatsApp support, and voice control (voice commerce). The ability to set up approval workflows in the customer portal is also important to efficiently map roles and approval processes.

[Translate to Englisch:] Successstory FÖRCH eCommerce

Success Story: The implementation of an omnichannel eCommerce strategy at Theo Förch GmbH & Co. KG

FÖRCH is one of Germany's leading suppliers of products for trade and industry. With a profound eCommerce strategy, FÖRCH has worked with Smart Commerce to develop a modern online shop and a future-proof eCommerce architecture for its international business. Find out more about the project and the ongoing collaboration in our success story!

 

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Technology Solutions

The Smart Commerce mission is to enable long-term eCommerce success for our customers. We achieve this thanks to a team of excellent eCommerce experts and strong technology partners with suitable solutions for your requirements.

Read more!

Other services

Digital Consulting

Discover our unique consulting approach for your eCommerce success.

Cloud Operations

Modern public cloud solutions with maximum automation for the operation of efficient eCommerce systems.

Digital Experience Platform

Maximise your eCommerce potential with our Digital Experience Platform - personalised experiences, seamless integrations, more conversions!

PIM

Optimise your product management with our PIM services - centralised, efficient, error-free. More consistency, less effort!

Artificial Intelligence

Use artificial intelligence for your online success - smarter processes, personalised experiences, more sales. Future-proof and efficient!

We are happy to assist you!

We would be glad to provide advice and support on your journey to long-term eCommerce success. Our eCommerce experts are eager to hear about your project!

Phone Number:
+49 341 99 15 36 00

E-Mail:
hello@smartcommerce.de

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