Situation
Rubbermaid Commercial Products wanted to streamline its product information, and make it easier for customers to access and use.
Hanson Inc. began by interviewing client personnel, sales representatives, distributors and customers to learn how the product catalog had been used in the past, as well as what the client and customers desired in an online product catalog. In May 2003, Hanson used the information to develop a product catalog that matched flexible technology with an intuitive, user-centered design.
launch product catalog
First, Hanson deployed SAP's Master-Data Management system for Rubbermaid's product content and management publishing. MDM allows product catalogs to be used for multiple purposes, including online, on paper and on CD-ROM from a single data source.
Second, Hanson devised an intuitive user interface with smart navigation. The navigation incorporates a search function that allows various methods of search, and browsing that accommodates multiple user paths.
With its new product catalog, Rubbermaid realized annual savings of nearly $1 million at the time of launch. The project paid for itself within the first year.
In addition, the MDM system significantly reduced the time RCP needs to manage its product catalog, while ensuring consistent content for internal and external users.
Hanson developed and deployed the product catalog in less than three months. The RCP site is hosted through Hanson's sister company, ISCG.