AMAC cuts product launch preparation time by 50% with Inriver

At a glance:

• Retail / Consumer Electronics
• B2C
• Mid-Market
• Utrecht, Netherlands

50% faster

Product launch preparation time

12,000

Total SKUs managed (2,000 active)

47

# of stores

Summary

AMAC unified product data operations using Inriver, cutting launch preparation time by 50%. Rapid retail and online expansion fragmented systems and slowed Apple product launches. Integrating Inriver with SAP and POS systems established a single source of truth. Automated workflows replaced manual updates across retail, B2B, and eCommerce channels. Teams now launch products faster with consistent, high-quality data across every customer touchpoint.

Outcomes: 

• Launch cycles reduced from 3 weeks to 1.5 weeks
• Unified product data across retail, B2B, and eCommerce channels
• Automated previously manual product information workflows
• Improved data accuracy and governance across systems

The Challenge

As AMAC expanded its operations across 47 physical stores, a consumer webshop, and multiple B2B platforms, managing product data became increasingly complex. The reliance on legacy systems led to fragmented data across channels, creating inefficiencies and inconsistencies. With a catalog of 12,000 SKUs, including 2,000 active physical products, AMAC required a more effective solution to ensure a consistent and premium experience for customers both in-store and online.

“We needed a tool to give our customers the same experience which we are giving in-store as an online experience, but we found out our current systems weren’t sufficient to manage product data for the future,” said Raymond Timmer, Category Manager for AMAC. The lack of a centralized system made it challenging to streamline processes and maintain accuracy. “The main reason for starting with a system like Inriver is to centralize the data to have one single source of truth,” Timmer added.

“The main reason for starting with a system like Inriver is to centralize the data to have one single source of truth.”

– Raymond Timmer

Category Manager, AMAC

The Solution

AMAC implemented Inriver as its central Product Information Management (PIM) system to address the challenges of fragmented data and inefficiencies. “The main reason for choosing Inriver is the user-friendliness of the system. It’s quite easy to use and very convenient for managing product information,” said Timmer. Inriver’s intuitive interface allowed AMAC to streamline product data enrichment while ensuring alignment with existing systems, including SAP ERP and a newly introduced POS system.

“Inriver is easy to use, easy to read, and manages product information conveniently. Even new features like the table grid view are useful—for example, assigning accessory compatibility with iPhone models can be done quickly.”

– Raymond Timmer

Category Manager, AMAC

Key initiatives included centralizing product data to create a single source of truth and leveraging Inriver’s Table View for rapid updates. “It’s very easy to assign the right compatibility to all the accessories in a quick way using a table grid,” Timmer explained. Additionally, workflows enable parallel collaboration among purchasing, enrichment, and marketing teams, significantly reducing delays. This integration ensured seamless data flow across channels, enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience.

The Results

The implementation of Inriver advanced AMAC’s product data management, delivering measurable improvements in efficiency and speed. By centralizing product information and enabling streamlined workflows, AMAC reduced the time required to introduce new Apple products and accessories by 50%.

“Before Inriver, it took us up to three weeks to implement new product information. Now, we’ve reduced that roughly by 50%,” Timmer shared. “We can prepare product information in the evening to prepare all the product information, and have the products live the next morning for launches,” Timmer added.

“Before Inriver, it took us up to three weeks to implement new product information. Now, we’ve reduced that roughly by 50%.”

– Raymond Timmer

Category Manager, AMAC

Inriver’s workflows empowered teams to work independently, eliminating bottlenecks and further accelerating processes. “Having workflows in place now, teams can work independently, which reduces time enormously,” Timmer explained. The improved consistency across platforms enhanced both in-store and online customer experiences, solidifying AMAC’s position as a trusted Apple Premium Reseller.

Inriver has positioned AMAC for scalable growth and adaptability in a rapidly changing retail landscape. With a centralized PIM system, AMAC is now equipped to expand its product range while meeting evolving legislative requirements for product attributes. “AMAC wants to grow enormously in the range of products, and we need an Inriver system that is capable of growing with us,” said Timmer.

The flexibility and efficiency of Inriver enable AMAC to seamlessly manage its extensive catalog of 12,000 SKUs, ensuring consistency across all channels. This adaptability supports AMAC’s commitment to delivering a premium Apple experience, both in-store and online, while providing the infrastructure needed to handle future challenges. By leveraging Inriver, AMAC has enhanced operational efficiency and strengthened its ability to meet customer expectations as it continues to expand its offerings.