SHOPcloud360:
Digitalization that connects
E/D/E is driving the digital transformation of the industrial supply sector.
online shops
can be operated by E/D/E on the central Intershop Commerce Platform.
million
products can be managed efficiently with SHOPcloud360.
features
have been tailored specifically to the needs of the industrial supply sector.
“Intershop impressed us with a scalable cloud architecture tailored specifically to the industrial supply sector. Combined with powerful features like smart search, flexible integration options, and a strategic development partnership, Intershop delivered the ideal mix of technology, flexibility, and economic viability.”
Accelerating digital transformation in the industrial supply sector
The industrial supply sector is undergoing a rapid shift. Digitalization is creating new opportunities but also increasing expectations: customers want personalized buying experiences, processes must become more efficient, and system integration needs to be seamless. E/D/E addressed these challenges by developing SHOPcloud360 – a powerful e-commerce platform that enables its members to manage digital transformation and tap into new sales channels.
The challenge was clear:
- Providing a centralized, scalable e-commerce platform for E/D/E member companies
- Integrating and connecting a wide variety of ERP, PIM, and procurement systems used by member wholesalers
- Ensuring high performance and user-friendliness, especially for extensive product catalogs
- Implementing intelligent product search to optimize the buying experience
The solution - Choosing the right e-commerce platform
Intershop convinced E/D/E for several key reasons:
- Strong B2B capabilities: The Intershop Commerce Platform is purpose-built for the needs of B2B wholesalers and manufacturers.
- Scalability & multi-tenancy: Capable of hosting hundreds of wholesalers and managing millions of products on a shared infrastructure.
- Composable architecture: Its open, API-first, headless system design allows for seamless integration of ERP systems, procurement platforms, and IoT devices such as scanners or vending machines.
- Autonomous commerce & AI: With tools like SPARQUE.AI and Intershop Copilot, the platform paves the way for intelligent automation and autonomous commerce.
- Strategic partnership: Intershop partners closely with E/D/E, not just as a provider, but as a long-term collaborator driving continuous development.
- Cost transparency: Intershop offers a sustainable and transparent pricing model tailored to mid-sized industrial B2B wholesalers.
The solution at a glance
- Implementation of the Intershop Commerce Platform as the central e-commerce technology for SHOPcloud360
- Composable commerce architecture with an API-first approach for maximum flexibility Integration of advanced AI tools, including SPARQUE.AI and Intershop Copilot
- Use of the Intershop Integration Hub to efficiently connect ERP, CRM, IoT, and other systems
- Close collaboration with Intershop and first-mover wholesalers to continuously optimize the platform
“Our collaboration with first movers was crucial in adapting the platform to the specific needs of the industrial supply trade,” says Klaus Weskamp. Up to 20 wholesalers participated in early testing and contributed feedback – especially regarding multi-dimensional product variant displays, ERP integration, and front-end design/PWA. Thanks to agile development and close user involvement, the platform scaled rapidly. “Through our strong partnership with Intershop, we were able to implement and develop the platform efficiently. Today, SHOPcloud360 is available to all E/D/E members and continues to grow with new features and innovations,” Weskamp adds.
Results: Powerful capabilities for the industrial B2B sector
With SHOPcloud360, affiliated wholesalers gain access to a future-ready platform offering cuttingedge features that increase efficiency, automation, and customer loyalty. Here are five of the most relevant features:
- AI-powered personalization & automation: SPARQUE.AI delivers personalized product recommendations and search results in real time, increasing conversion rates and enhancing the buying experience. Intershop Copilot serves as a 24/7 AI sales and service assistant that guides customers to the right products and streamlines purchasing.
- Centralized data & content management: The Assortment Center makes all E/D/E product lines available, enabling centralized product data management and consistent information across all channels – saving time, resources, and costs. The Content Center offers seamless integration of supplier content so that E/D/E members can always present brands in an up-to-date and professional manner.
- Optimized purchasing workflows & industry integrations: Role-based user management, budget control, and comprehensive e-procurement features simplify the purchasing process. ERP systems, CRM solutions, industry-specific platforms such as SAP Ariba, Coupa or OCI 4.0/5.0 as well as craftsman software, scanner solutions and IoT devices can be connected via the Intershop Integration Hub for seamless workflows.
- Multi-dimensional product variants: The platform provides structured displays for complex products with multiple variants (e.g. size, material, color), making it easier to manage large catalogs and improve product discovery.
- Multi-storefront management: SHOPcloud360 enables the centralized management of multiple storefronts and sales channels. Retailers can create distinct brand experiences and target specific customer groups – boosting reach and flexibility.
These and many other capabilities enable E/D/E members to improve conversion, increase customer retention, and drive operational efficiency.
First movers lead the way
Even in its early stages, SHOPcloud360 helped several pioneering wholesalers accelerate their digital transformation. Three first movers – Ullner und Ullner, Blumenbecker Industriebedarf, and R. Pöppel – were instrumental in shaping and validating the platform.
Ullner und Ullner GmbH, a long-established wholesaler in East Westphalia with a 200-year history, transformed its digital sales strategy with SHOPcloud360. Through seamless ERP and PIM integration, the company optimized product data, ensured a top-tier user experience, and added customer value with improved order tracking. “SHOPcloud360 enables us to compete online on equal footing with leading players while giving us the innovation power to plan confidently for the future,” says Björn Thiele, eBusiness Project Manager at Ullner und Ullner GmbH.
Blumenbecker Industriebedarf GmbH completed a full digital transformation in just five months. Quick ERP integration and optimized performance, including punchout support, prepared the company for future B2B commerce demands. “Thanks to its innovative technologies, SHOPcloud360 is the ideal solution for the years ahead,” confirms Axel Hildebrandt, Head of eProcurement ab Blumenbecker Industriebedarf GmbH.
R. Pöppel GmbH & Co. KG, a specialist in machinery, tools, and industrial equipment, chose SHOPcloud360 to build a future-proof foundation for its growing digital business. Key elements included the intelligent search engine SPARQUE.AI, faster load times, and seamless system integration to deliver a highly efficient buying experience. “SHOPcloud360 combines cutting-edge technology, proven e-commerce expertise, and practical, real-world solutions,” says Andreas Bodenmiller, IT Project Manager at R. Pöppel GmbH & Co. KG.
The experiences of these first movers clearly demonstrate how SHOPcloud360 is accelerating digital transformation in the industrial supply sector, providing E/D/E members with a powerful, flexible, and future-ready solution.
Conclusion & outlook
SHOPcloud360 is more than a shop system – it’s a scalable, future-proof, high-performance e-commerce solution tailored to the needs of mid-sized companies in the industrial B2B sector.
“In the German market alone, we see potential to bring up to 350 industrial wholesalers onto SHOPcloud360,” says Dr. Kai Wille, outlining E/D/E’s ambitious goal.
In the months and years ahead, E/D/E will continue onboarding new members, launching additional features to improve the user experience, and expanding integrations. Plans include automated sales analytics, AI-based customer segmentation, and further IoT integrations to streamline order and logistics processes.
Intershop remains a strategic partner and will continue to support E/D/E with its expertise in B2B commerce to drive forward digital transformation in the industrial supply sector.
“By combining Intershop’s leading commerce technology with our deep industry expertise, we’re creating an e-commerce solution that strengthens the competitiveness of the mid-sized industrial supply sector.”
About E/D/E
E/D/E (Purchasing Office of German Ironmongers) is Europe’s leading service and system provider for the industrial supply sector. Its approximately 1,200 affiliated members are primarily specialist wholesalers who supply commercial customers in the skilled trades, industry, and the public sector. Their main product areas include tools and machinery, industrial supplies, fittings and building components, personal protective equipment and technical goods, building services, and steel. E/D/E operates with over 1,100 employees in 30 countries across Europe.
Smart Commerce
Smart Commerce is the technical excellent eCommerce partner for SMEs. We offer services for planning, construction, operation, and optimization of eCommerce solutions. We support customers along the complete performance chain of “basic B2B” and “advanced B2B” thanks to our extensive experience of working with small and big B2B customers. We stand for quality and excellence in eCommerce.
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