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Case Study:

Revolutionizing the timber trade – JAF Group’s digital transformation

Customer

J.u.A. Frischeis GmbH

Europe’s largest timber merchant, JAF Group, sells more than 83,000 products across 20+ countries. Over the course of 75 years, it has become Europe’s leading wholesaler of wood and wooden materials.

Confronted by antiquated B2B processes and a disjointed e-commerce approach, the JAF Group underwent a sweeping digital transformation. Together with digital agency elements, they implemented a sophisticated Pimcore platform seamlessly integrating a centralized product database with customer-centric e-commerce solutions. This tailored system caters to diverse markets across more than 20 countries and accommodates 10+ languages. A move that paved the way for enhanced efficiency and international reach.

Customer Key Facts

20+

countries

10+

languages

83,000+

products

Revolutionizing the timber trade – JAF Group’s digital transformation

Challenge

Navigating complexities for carpenter convenience

The JAF Group faced significant challenges in modernizing its B2B sales processes. Operating without a centralized product database or cohesive e-commerce strategy, the company struggled with an outdated and lengthy buying experience. This lack of digital infrastructure hindered efficiency and growth, particularly impacting their primary customers – carpenters – who required timber in specific sizes for their projects. The existing one-size-fits-all approach forced these customers to seek alternative suppliers, complicating their procurement process. 

Additionally, designing and planning wooden terraces, a common task for both B2B and B2C customers, was overly time-consuming and inefficient. The company needed a solution that could streamline these processes, optimize material usage, and enhance the overall customer experience.

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Revolutionizing the timber trade – JAF Group’s digital transformation

Solution

Digitalized timber trading enhanced by innovative tools

To address its challenges, the JAF Group collaborated with Salzburg-based digital agency elements to implement a centralized, multilingual B2B e-commerce platform. Key innovations included an AI-powered product configurator for custom timber cuts, a room acoustics calculator, a terrace designer and a 3D room studio. These tools substantially simplified complex buying processes for carpenters. Integration with Pimcore PIM and DAM streamlined operations – from product management to print automation. The platform now offers a seamless, efficient digital ecosystem for both the company and its customers.

Innovating further, several new functionalities were introduced in recent years – for instance, a comparison list feature. Multiple Pimcore instances for PIM and the shop were synchronized through DataSync to ensure seamless data transfer. For logged-in users, personalized product overviews are offered, and a special “employee mode” allows the simulation of staff perspectives.

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Revolutionizing the timber trade – JAF Group’s digital transformation

Results

Operational excellence and market expansion

The introduction of a centralized product database and a user-centric e-commerce platform resulted in significant improvements across the board. The JAF Group saw an influx of B2B orders, streamlined buying processes for carpenters, as well as a noticeable decrease in warehousing and transportation costs. 

In short: The digital transformation undertaken by the JAF Group solidified its position as a leader in the industry and revolutionized the trade. Through a commitment to innovation and customer-centricity, JAF was able to drive revenue growth and expand its market reach, improve operational efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction all at once.

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Key Results

thousands of additional B2B orders

conversion rates

costs in warehousing & transport logistics

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