The extensive project included the complete redesign of afriso.com (global) and afriso.de with a complete product catalog, as well as the technical basis for further international domains. The solution was implemented with Ibexa DXP Enterprise and Netgen layouts for maximum flexibility in content management.

Our Role

Netgen was able to draw on its full range of expertise for this complex project and was responsible for: conception, UX/UI design, PIM integration, multi-site architecture, and system administration. The result is a new web platform based on Ibexa DXP Enterprise and Netgen layouts.

Challenge

The original AFRISO website no longer met the requirements of an internationally active manufacturer of measurement and control devices. Product searches were inefficient, user guidance was outdated, and responsive design was completely lacking. Although an EPIM product database was available, it was not optimally integrated into the website.

The global presence was primarily limited to a German version, which meant that international markets were not adequately served. The various target groups and target areas—from building services engineering and industrial technology to portable measuring devices—were not specifically addressed. In addition, there was no clear strategy for managing digital assets and efficiently maintaining product information across multiple country websites.

Our Solution 

To help AFRISO become a modern, international B2B platform, Netgen implemented a multi-stage project with comprehensive measures:

Strategic concept & UX design

In the first phase of the project, intensive workshops with AFRISO were held to define the target groups and develop customer journeys. The brand architecture was developed for all of AFRISO's digital domains, and a comprehensive UX prototype of the most important pages was developed in Figma. Particular focus was placed on the optimal presentation of the three main areas of building technology, industrial technology, and portable measuring devices – not just as pure product catalogs, but as content-rich landing pages with targeted audience appeal.

PIM integration & data management

A key challenge was the seamless integration of Valantic's new Viamedici PIM system. Netgen worked closely with Valantic to develop a proof of concept for the automatic synchronization of product data via Ibexa Connect Enterprise and an XML importer. This enables a live connection with automatic updating of the entire product catalog. The solution clearly separates PIM-managed product data and CMS-maintained marketing content, ensuring maximum flexibility in content maintenance.

Multi-site architecture & scalability

The platform was designed from the outset for a multi-site structure in order to optimally reflect AFRISO's global presence. In addition to afriso.com and afriso.de, other domains such as afriso.ch (in German, English, French, and, in the future, Italian), afriso.in, and special pages such as eurolyzer.de or afrisohome.de were also created. The modular system architecture based on Ibexa DXP allows for easy scaling for additional country websites.

Netgen layouts & content flexibility

The use of Netgen layouts gives AFRISO maximum flexibility in page design. The modular system allows content to be designed using drag-and-drop without the need for developers. Various content types such as landing pages, products, product groups, news, events, and contact persons have been implemented and can be flexibly combined.

Optimized Search & Navigation

The global search function has been completely redesigned and searches both CMS content and all product information. Advanced filter options, autocomplete, and intelligent highlighting significantly improve the user experience. Special search and filter functions have been developed for contact persons, specialist tradesmen, and service centers with map integration.

Digital asset management

Cloudinary has been integrated as MAM (media asset management) for the management of digital assets. This enables central management of all images, videos, and documents across all sites with automatic optimization for different output formats and devices.