Steelcase, a global leader in commercial and workplace furniture solutions, faced a significant challenge in managing its immense network of channel partners. With a diverse range of worldwide partners, including architects, distributors, resellers and commercial builders, ensuring consistent support and brand representation is a complex task that requires multiple systems and people managers.
Specific Steelcase challenges included:
- Disparate Network: Steelcase's global channel partners operate across various regions and different languages, requiring a unified platform to manage communication and resources.
- Resource Management: Providing real-time access and management of critical marketing and sales tools such as samples, swatches, brochures, data sheets and other marketing materials was logistically problematic.
- Brand Consistency: Ensuring that all channel partners adhere to Steelcase's brand guidelines and messaging is crucial for maintaining a unified brand image.
Recognizing the complexity of their channel partner network, Steelcase turned to IRIS Strategic Marketing Support for a comprehensive enterprise solution that provides best-in-class support to their more than 15,000users, manages multiple programs, creates operational efficiencies and equips their partners.
Key features of the IRIS Gearbox platform that address the challenges:
- Centralized Resource Management: IRIS Gearbox provides a centralized repository for 16,000+ Steelcase products including all marketing materials, including fabric samples, swatches, brochures, data sheets and digital assets. This eliminates the need for multiple systems and simplifies access for channel partners.
- Global Support: The platform's ability to handle multiple currencies and languages ensures seamless support for Steelcase's global network. Partners have access to materials in their preferred language and currency, regardless of their location.
- Co-op Program Management: IRIS Gearbox enables Steelcase to establish an interactive co-op program, empowering channel partners to create brand-consistent, customized marketing campaigns.
- Integration with Widen DAM: The integration with the Steelcase Widen digital asset management (DAM) platform provides a seamless workflow for managing and distributing digital assets.
- Real-Time Inventory Management: The IRIS Gearbox inventory management features allows Steelcase to track and manage sample availability, this prevents stock outs and ensures timely fulfillment of partner orders.
- Advanced Reporting: The platform's robust reporting capabilities provides Steelcase with valuable insights into partner activity, product demand and overall program performance.
By implementing IRIS Gearbox, Steelcase achieved several significant outcomes:
- Improved Efficiency: The centralized platform has streamlined marketing operations and reduced administrative overhead.
- Enhanced Partner Satisfaction: The system provides channel partners and vendors with easy access to the resources they need, improving their overall experience.
- Increased Brand Consistency: Steelcase now has enhanced control over its brand presentation and confidence that it is consistently represented across all channels.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Real-time reporting capabilities enables Steelcase to make informed, real-time decisions based on accurate data.
- Scalability: As Steelcase's business grows, the IRIS Gearbox platform provides a scalable architecture that can accommodate channel partner network growth and support future expansion.
Steelcase's partnership with IRIS Strategic Marketing Support has been a game-changer. The Gearbox platform has dramatically enhanced channel partner management, providing unparalleled efficiency, support and brand alignment.
Steelcase leverages a suite of IRIS Strategic Marketing Support modules to streamline processes for internal teams, channel partners and vendors. Here's a comprehensive list of the custom-tailored modules:
- User Hierarchy
- Automated Client Group Management
- Vendor Management
- Co-op Management
- Converge Online Designer
- Offline Reimbursement
- Automated Language Translation
- Formulate Online Forms Builder
- Online Registration Management
- Automated Currency Converter
- Digital Asset Manager with Integration
- User-driven Digital Library
- Automated Freight Calculator
- Sales Tax Management
- Online Payment Management (CreditCard/Paypal/ACH)
- Data Visualizer
- Platform Layout Wizard
Schedule a demo today and learn how IRIS Gearbox can streamline your marketing operations, enhance partner satisfaction and ensure brand consistency.
