Faster to Market: How Malò Optimized Product Data Management
Malò was founded over seventy years ago in Milan and is now a leading company in the Italian market for the distribution of rubber and rubber-metal molded parts. With the AKRON MALO brand, the company is also one of the largest distributors of automotive spare parts on a national level.
Malò continuously strives to enhance its processes and data management capabilities to maintain its strong market position.
To further optimize product data delivery, the Instant Data Processing (IDP) Data Supplier API is used by Malò to transfer information efficiently into the TecDoc Catalogue. This powerful interface enables automotive aftermarket suppliers to transfer and update their product data instantly, ensuring that the latest information reaches the market without delays. Designed for companies using their own PIM (Product Information Management) or ERP systems, the API integrates directly into existing environments, allowing real-time updates without the need for local software installations. By updating only the records that need attention, suppliers can significantly increase efficiency, stay ahead of the competition, and ensure customers always have access to accurate, up-to-date product data.
In the following interview, the team at Malò talked about their experience with the IDP Data Supplier API and the benefits it has brought to their operations.
Q: What motivated you to adopt the IDP Data Supplier API?
A: We needed a faster, more efficient way to transfer our product data to the TecDoc Catalogue. With IDP technology, data transfer has become an unattended process. We can schedule it as a job or use it in interactive mode to update attributes of a single published article. Either way, the article is updated in real time in the web catalogue.
Q: How did you experience the migration process and working with TecAlliance?
A: We used the TAF (TecAlliance Format) standard to prepare our data packages, which minimized the effort required for migration. By comparing TAF files between sequential shipments, we can create a delta package, making updates quick and seamless. Overall, the migration process was not a problem at all.
Q: What improvements have you seen in your processes since implementing the IDP Data Supplier API?
A: First of all, we’ve saved time in our data management activities. We also gained better control over data shipping, which is crucial for ensuring data quality. Our decision to integrate IDP using Microsoft SQL Server’s native features (JSON, API, etc.) further increased our solution’s maintenance capacity.
Q: What would you say to other companies considering the IDP Data Supplier API?
A: It has definitely streamlined our processes and helped us maintain accurate, up-to-date data in the TecDoc Catalogue. We remain committed to leveraging innovative solutions like the IDP Data Supplier API to continue our legacy as a reliable partner in the automotive industry.
Malò’s use of the IDP Data Supplier API illustrates how digital solutions can support more efficient and controlled data management. By integrating the interface into their existing systems, the company has been able to simplify internal workflows and ensure the timely availability of accurate product information in the TecDoc Catalogue.
