Stage 1: In tandem with who?
ZARYS sets higher healthcare standards for better care and well-being
ZARYS International Group is a manufacturer of disposable medical equipment, serving wholesalers, healthcare facilities, and hospitals across various regions. They have been operating in the market since 1989. Whether it’s a simple medical supply or a complex piece of equipment, ZARYS ensures that each product is reliable and meets the highest quality standards.
ZARYS wanted to build an online shop which would let business customers easily place and manage orders on their own. The new B2B platform was intended to be intuitive, efficient, and consistent, integrating smoothly with current systems to show real-time product availability and speed up order processing.
Nearly 10,000 available products
With an extensive product line, ZARYS can address diverse customer needs. Their products range from specialized medical devices to everyday necessities like gowns, needles, and gloves.
Top pick for healthcare providers
The company's commitment to top-quality service has made them a trusted partner for hospitals, clinics, and healthcare professionals.
Worldwide distribution
ZARYS supplies products to more than 60 countries spanning three continents. Their focus on compliance with international standards ensures that their products are trusted and used globally.
STAGE 2: WHERE TO?
Challenges
Seamless project takeover
The project had been started by another technology partner, and we were asked to take over and complete it. With the project at the halfway stage, we reviewed all the work done so far and created a forward plan. The process of analyzing and re-evaluating was extensive, including many discussions and clarifications of new requirements. This was a big task because we needed to make sure everything was correct before we could move into the development phase.
Achieving smooth system integration
One of the biggest challenges was integrating three major systems and additional tools to fit ZARYS's specific business requirements. This task required coordination among Deloitte (SAP ERP provider), Pimcore (PIM provider), Shopware (eCommerce provider), Hostersi (cloud and servers expert), and ZARYS itself. It was essential that everyone understood the business goals in the same way, which meant a lot of careful planning and communication.
Enhancing complex business operations
Understanding ZARYS’s unique business processes, which include wholesale operations, direct sales, and hospital supplies, added another layer of complexity. Our goal was to ensure the new online system could manage these processes and allow B2B clients to place orders independently (upgrading from the traditional phone and email order process). This was a significant transformation for ZARYS, requiring us to know their workflows in detail and translate these into a seamless digital experience.
STAGE 3: MOVING FORWARD
Solution
Implementing product information management system
We started by taking over where the previous provider left off. We needed to finalize the setup of Pimcore and integration with SAP, marking the initial phase of the project. The configuration process made sure all product information, including descriptions, names, and images, were accurately stored in Pimcore PIM. Additionally – thanks to integration with SAP ERP – it also can store important accounting data, such as invoices, price lists and orders, maintaining up-to-date records.
Building the B2B eCommerce platform
In the second phase, we focused on developing an online store with Shopware for ZARYS's large-order business customers, such as hospitals. Some initial work like mockups had already been done, so we continued from there, creating a full-featured shop. This new B2B platform integrates with Pimcore PIM and SAP, providing real-time updates on product availability and offering an easy, intuitive way to search for and order medical equipment.
At present, all transactions are managed over the phone and by mail. A business client calls their advisors with requirements, and the advisors take care of it. eZARYS is a shopping platform created for businesses, allowing them to place orders online by themselves, which was a big change in the company's practices.
Detailed documentation and testing
Given the involvement of various providers and complex systems, keeping detailed documentation was essential. We also carried out extensive testing to make sure all components of the system functioned together smoothly and promptly fixed any issues.
Stage 4: The finish line
Results
In April 2024, ZARYS debuted their new B2B store (eZARYS), finishing a project that started in February 2023. Using Pimcore PIM and Shopware e-commerce platform brought major enhancements for ZARYS.
- Easy access to product information: Pimcore gives ZARYS a single location for all product data. Each product (from simple supplies to advanced medical equipment) is described in detail, with available compliance declarations and information leaflets. Product information management is now more efficient, cutting down on inconsistencies. Hospitals and clinics can easily find what they need, resulting in higher customer satisfaction.
- Improved B2B shopping experience thanks to Shopware's B2B components: Designed with a logical and intuitive structure, the platform makes it straightforward to browse products and get after-sales support. Business customers no longer need to make phone calls or send emails; it can all be done online. Available 24/7, it lets them buy medical supplies anytime. Users can also access their past orders, payment history, and manage contracts all in one place.
- Efficient online ordering: The businesses find ordering much simpler with eZARYS. The new B2B platform based on Shopware displays current product quantities and credit limits which speeds up the process – users are automatically notified about changes in product availability. Orders are processed via SAP, verifying stock and confirming them.
- Client-specific customization: The Shopware system allows for tailored pricing and limits to meet each customer's needs, making it perfect for high-volume purchases.
From concept to launch, we're with you every step
You don’t have to face eCommerce challenges on your own. Together it's easier. No question goes unanswered.
Shopware features used to create the shop
In this project, we implemented multiple Shopware’s B2B components and later adapted them to better align with the client's business processes. These features worked together to streamline the work of Zarys' employees, allowing them to save time and avoid manual request handling.
- Customer-specific pricing & discounts
- Bulk order processing
- Advanced checkout features
- Custom ordering and quotation management
- Customizable product vatalogs
- Complex shipping & logistics
Project highlights
Robust infrastructure
The company Hostersi delivered expert support and customized the environment for the project's needs. Their role included configuring servers and deploying an optimal hosting environment, focusing on performance, scalability, and security. The infrastructure was established on the Azure platform to facilitate efficient implementation and operation of Shopware and Pimcore.
Next improvements in the B2B store:
1. Integrating Shopware with a loyalty program.
2. Introducing new fields, like prepayment customers being able to purchase beyond their credit limit and automatic labeling of business client types during account creation.
3. Promotional mechanism allowing Zarys to decide whether to target a particular sales department (such as hospital or wholesale) for the promotion or showcase it to all business partners.
New level of system integration
The project involved connecting several important systems for smoother workflow. We integrated product information management (Pimcore), enterprise resource planning (SAP), the B2B eCommerce platform (Shopware), and additional tools. The integration was customized for ZARYS’s specific needs, simplifying complex business operations and enhancing the efficiency of their sales processes.
Something for the geeks
Technologies we used
ZARYS encountered two significant obstacles: ineffective management of their large inventory of 10,000 products, and a complicated ordering process for their B2B customers. Together with Hostersi, we helped ZARYS overcome these challenges by implementing reliable technology solutions:
01
Azure
For scalability, security, and availability. By setting up Shopware and Pimcore on Azure, ZARYS benefited from an advanced and reliable infrastructure.
02
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Shopware
For enhancing online sales capabilities in the B2B sector.
Shopware is Germany’s #1 ecommerce platform and one of the top 6 worldwide. Its B2B suite, Flow Builder automations, and access to over 3,500 extensions help businesses stay competitive and creative.
03
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Pimcore
For centralized product information management, ensuring accuracy and consistency across all channels. Have you ever thought about implementing Shopware and Pimcore for your enterprise? What's holding you back?
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