The Key to a Successful Selection: Hutten’s Search for a New PIM Solution

Hutten is all about creating experiences. This leading company in the hospitality sector is known for its high-quality service and customer-focused approach. From corporate catering and events to large-scale celebrations, Hutten strives for quality, hospitality, and customization every day. 

Behind this seamless hospitality lies a complex system of processes and technology. Managing product information, which is vital for operations from purchasing to delivery, plays a crucial role in keeping things running smoothly. 

However, the existing Product Information Management (PIM) system was no longer meeting Hutten’s needs. It caused inefficiencies, relied heavily on time-consuming manual tasks, and lacked the flexibility to handle constant changes. 

Patrick Tünnissen, ICT Manager at Hutten, explained: “Every small adjustment felt like a struggle. We realized it was time to take a different path.” 

Hutten needed a new approach to elevate their processes and data management. They started looking for a more flexible and cost-effective solution, along with a partner to guide them through the transition. SQLI was chosen as that partner, helping Hutten identify and select the best PIM solution. 

Hutten’s old PIM system was a classic example of outdated technology. Once a good choice, it had become a bottleneck. The system was too large, inflexible, and unable to meet the fast-paced needs of the organization. 

Key issues included:

• Manual data handling: Time-consuming and prone to errors.

• Lack of integration: Slowing processes and leading to mistakes.

• High licensing costs: No longer justifiable for what the system delivered. 

Patrick Tünnissen summed it up: “We were stuck with a system that didn’t give us the flexibility we needed. Every change felt like a battle, while we wanted speed and efficiency.” 

It became clear that Hutten, with its ever-increasing need for a more streamlined and flexible approach, could no longer be satisfied with a system that did not meet their requirements. What Hutten needed was a PIM solution that would streamline internal processes, manage product information more efficiently and deliver cost savings.

SQLI’s approach: the selection process

Choosing a new PIM solution is complex. It requires understanding an organization’s strategic goals, technical needs, and a deep dive into market options. Knowing they needed an experienced partner, Hutten turned to SQLI, whose clear strategy and proven approach ensured a smooth process. 

Marco Tjong A Tjoe, Head of MDM Practice at SQLI, explained: “Our collaboration was practical and focused on asking the right questions. This helped us identify the best solution for Hutten.” 

SQLI followed a systematic process: 

• Analyzing the Current Situation:The first step was a detailed analysis of Hutten’s existing setup. Together with Hutten’s team, SQLI identified the technical and functional requirements for the new PIM solution.

• Prioritizing Needs: Using SQLI’s detailed framework, the team defined core requirements, including the data model, data quality, workflows, hosting needs, and integration capabilities. Each requirement was prioritized to focus on what mattered most.

• Exploring the Market: Armed with these insights, SQLI created a list of potential vendors and began exploring the available solutions. Through demos and evaluations, they guided Hutten in comparing solutions, weighing factors like cost, scalability, integration, and ease of use. 

Patrick Tünnissen noted: “The way we worked through the selection process felt like a true partnership. SQLI asked the right questions, helped us prioritize, and provided the structure we needed to make fast, well-informed decisions without compromising quality. Their expertise and hands-on approach were exactly what we needed.” 

Results of the selection phase

The selection process was challenging. Hutten needed a solution that was both flexible and scalable, meeting their current needs while being future-proof. After a thorough evaluation, Novulo emerged as the best choice. 

Novulo stood out for its: 

• Simplicity and user-friendly interface: Easy for the team to adopt. 

• Flexible integration capabilities: Allowing for quick adjustments. 

• Scalability: Going beyond just PIM functionality. 

• Cost-effectiveness: Drastically reducing licensing costs. 

With Novulo, Hutten has laid a strong foundation for efficient and future-ready product information management. Thanks to SQLI’s structured and pragmatic approach, the selection process was smooth, and the team was well-prepared to move into the implementation phase. 

Patrick Tünnissen concluded: “Working with SQLI helped us make the right choice and streamline the selection process. It was clear this wasn’t their first time tackling such a challenge. Their expertise made all the difference.”