Published on

My first case study

Authors
  • avatar
    Name
    Nejc Popit
    Twitter

Introduction

Welcome to my very first blog post where I'm writing about my first case study and how we implemented Pimcore in a complex project. :)

You can read complete case study 👉 HERE

Hello word!

Writing a comprehensive case study is much like embarking on a project: it requires thorough research, strategic planning, and a clear vision. When I set out to document our implementation of Pimcore my objective was to create a narrative that would not only describe what we did, but also explain why and how we did it. In doing so, I aimed to capture the essence of transforming a fragmented, time-consuming product information landscape into a streamlined, centralized system that meets company's business needs.

Why Write a Case Study?

Before diving into the technicalities of our project, it’s important to understand the purpose of writing a case study. Beyond simply recounting a success story, a well-crafted case study should serve as a practical guide. It illuminates the challenges, the methodology, and the strategic decisions that led to the final solution. For Olma, we had a unique combination of legacy data sources—ERP systems, Excel and Word documents, supplier files, and marketing materials—scattered across various departments. My goal was to present how we tackled these challenges and highlight the importance of a structured discovery phase.

Laying the Foundation: The Discovery Phase

The discovery phase is critical to any successful implementation, and writing about it was a key part of my case study. Over two months, we conducted workshops, interviews, and in-depth analyses of Olma’s current processes. This phase was like assembling puzzle pieces: understanding data flows, pinpointing inefficiencies, and mapping out data models that would later drive the Pimcore solution.

In my case study, I devoted a significant portion to explaining why the discovery phase mattered. I stressed how aligning everyone’s expectations, clarifying technical and functional specifications, and defining a timeline and budget provided a roadmap for the entire project. By sharing this approach, I hoped to convey the value of careful preparation before diving into development. For readers, whether they are stakeholders in similar projects or just curious about the process, understanding the groundwork helps them appreciate the depth of the final solution.

Crafting the Technical and Functional Specifications

One major takeaway from the project—highlighted in my case study—was the necessity of having a comprehensive technical and functional specification document. This blueprint guided our development team, ensured stakeholder alignment, and kept everyone focused on agreed-upon goals. I outlined how we reached a detailed solution overview, how we communicated project objectives, and how we established clear expectations for the Pimcore implementation. The specifications became a shared point of reference, reducing the risk of misunderstandings and scope creep.

Implementing Pimcore: The Heart of the Case Study

The core of the project—and the heart of my case study—was the Pimcore implementation itself. Olma needed a scalable, centralized Product Information Management (PIM) solution capable of handling multilingual data, version control, and efficient content updates. By integrating data from multiple sources into one platform, Olma’s team could now generate technical sheets, sales catalogs, and brand-specific materials at the click of a button.

In writing about this, I described how Pimcore’s data inheritance feature saved countless hours. Rather than re-entering product information for every variant, the team could make changes once at the “main” product level and automatically update all associated sub-products and brands. Furthermore, multilingual content editing simplified the challenge of maintaining consistent, accurate information across more than 13 languages and brands.

Traceability, Versioning, and Streamlined Workflows

A highlight of the case study was explaining how Pimcore improved traceability and version control. Olma previously struggled with multiple Word or Excel documents that created confusion about which version was current. With Pimcore, users could track changes, see who made them, and confirm what information was published. The ability to generate accurate PDFs, including print-ready formats, further streamlined their marketing and sales processes.

In the case study, I showcased how these functionalities contributed to operational efficiency and data consistency. By painting a clear before-and-after picture, I aimed to underscore the transformative impact of Pimcore on Olma’s internal workflows.

Reflections on Writing the Case Study

Producing this case study was an opportunity to step back and reflect on the entire project lifecycle. In writing it, I discovered new insights, clarified the logic behind certain decisions, and distilled complex technical details into a narrative format. For any organization considering a PIM system implementation, I hope the case study serves as a roadmap—demonstrating the importance of thorough discovery, proper documentation, and careful execution.

The value of a well-executed case study lies in its ability to guide, educate, and inspire. By documenting Olma’s journey from scattered, error-prone data management to a cohesive Pimcore-driven solution, I aimed to provide a tangible example of how strategic planning, the right technology, and a holistic approach can deliver significant, measurable benefits.