The Agent Streamlines Supplier Data Management with Akeneo's Innovative Solution

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights:
2. Introduction
3. The Need for Efficient Data Management
4. Implementing Akeneo’s Supplier Data Manager
5. The Benefits of High-Quality Product Data
6. Future Trends in Marketplace Sales
7. Conclusion
8. FAQ

Key Highlights:

• The Agent adopts Akeneo's Supplier Data Manager (SDM) to enhance supplier product data onboarding, resulting in faster integration and improved accuracy.
• The new system automates data collection, reducing labor-intensive tasks for merchandising teams and ensuring products are available earlier in the season.
• The shift to high-quality, marketplace-compliant product data is critical, as online marketplaces demand increasingly specific product attributes.

Introduction

In today's competitive e-commerce landscape, effective management of supplier data is essential for brands aiming to optimize their online sales. The Agent, a French fashion marketplace accelerator, has recognized this necessity and adopted Akeneo's Supplier Data Manager (SDM) to streamline its processes. This strategic move not only enhances the onboarding of supplier product data but also addresses the growing demands of online marketplaces. As brands collaborate with The Agent to grow their sales across platforms like Zalando, Amazon, and Decathlon, the importance of structured, accurate product information becomes ever more apparent.

The Need for Efficient Data Management

The retail industry has witnessed a significant transformation in how products are marketed and sold online. As brands like Le Coq Sportif, Herschel Supply Co, and Aigle partner with The Agent, the volume of product data received each season can be overwhelming, often exceeding thousands of SKUs in multiple languages and formats. Prior to adopting Akeneo's SDM, The Agent relied on traditional methods like spreadsheets and emails to manage this data. However, this approach was fraught with challenges, including inaccuracies and delays in bringing products to market due to the need for extensive manual reviews.

Challenges in Traditional Data Management

The reliance on outdated data management practices not only slowed down the onboarding process but also increased the likelihood of errors. In a fast-paced digital marketplace, where consumers expect instant access to accurate product information, such inefficiencies can hinder sales. Moreover, with some marketplaces demanding up to 180 unique product attributes for a single SKU, the need for a more streamlined solution became imperative.

Implementing Akeneo’s Supplier Data Manager

The transition to Akeneo's SDM has revolutionized the way The Agent collects, cleans, enriches, and shares product information. By providing a structured portal and workflow, brands can now directly upload their product data, following a guided process that ensures compliance with the specific requirements of each marketplace.

The Four-Step Workflow

Aude Guillome, Client Success Manager at The Agent, outlines the new four-step workflow that brands follow to upload and enrich product data. This systematic approach not only speeds up integration but also enhances the accuracy of the data submitted. The Agent's team then takes over, completing the process with a focus on ensuring that the data meets marketplace standards.

Impact on Internal Operations

The automation of supplier data collection has transformed the internal operations of merchandising teams. Previously burdened with labor-intensive data input, these teams can now focus on strategic oversight and performance benchmarking. This shift not only optimizes efficiency but also allows for a quicker turnaround in getting products to market, ultimately benefiting consumer access to new offerings.

The Benefits of High-Quality Product Data

In an environment where online marketplaces contribute to approximately €225 billion in sales across Europe, ensuring that product data is both high-quality and compliant is crucial. Romaine Fouache, CEO at Akeneo, emphasizes the importance of delivering accurate product information in a timely manner to enhance commercial success on these platforms.

Enhanced Customer Experience

With better data management, The Agent can significantly improve the customer experience. Accurate and detailed product descriptions lead to higher customer satisfaction and trust, which are vital in driving sales. Furthermore, the implementation of Akeneo's SDM has resulted in a reported 10% reduction in returns, a clear indicator of improved product data quality influencing purchase decisions.

Future Trends in Marketplace Sales

As online marketplaces continue to evolve, brands will face increasing pressure to provide not only accurate product data but also to innovate in how they present this information. The Agent's proactive approach in utilizing Akeneo’s SDM positions it to meet these challenges head-on.

Upcoming Innovations

Looking forward, the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards will focus on recognizing advancements in online marketplaces. These awards celebrate companies that have successfully integrated innovative technologies to improve efficiency and profitability. The Agent’s adoption of Akeneo’s SDM is a prime example of how leveraging technology can enhance operational outcomes and drive business growth.

Conclusion

The Agent's adoption of Akeneo's Supplier Data Manager is a strategic response to the complexities of modern retail. By streamlining product data management, The Agent not only enhances its operational efficiency but also ensures its brand partners are well-equipped to thrive in competitive online marketplaces. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, the focus on high-quality, compliant product data will remain paramount for success.

FAQ

What is Akeneo’s Supplier Data Manager (SDM)? Akeneo’s Supplier Data Manager is a solution designed to streamline the collection, cleaning, and sharing of supplier product data, ensuring that it meets the specific requirements of various online marketplaces.

How does the new workflow improve data management? The four-step guided workflow allows brands to upload and enrich their product data directly, reducing the chances of errors and speeding up the integration process.

What impact does accurate product data have on sales? High-quality product data leads to enhanced customer experiences, reducing returns and increasing sales success on online marketplaces.

Why is the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards important? These awards recognize advancements in retail technology, celebrating companies that innovate to improve efficiency and profitability within the fast-moving omnichannel world.

How can brands benefit from partnering with The Agent? Brands that partner with The Agent can leverage its expertise in marketplace selling, benefiting from tailored services that optimize catalogue integration and performance across various platforms.