Print publishing with crossbase and TRIXIE
The translation process with the web interface at the European partners has simplified the workflow for us enormously. In this way, the translations could be carried out directly in the system and then automatically transferred to the catalogs.
Helge Kunst
IT managers, TRIXIE Heimtierbedarf GmbH & Co. KG
Initial situation
Following the introduction of the crossbase PIM system, TRIXIE worked intensively on optimizing the internal print publishing process. In addition to various print publications such as seasonal brochures and country-specific special catalogs, the company uses crossbase to produce its annual product catalog. This extensive catalog comprises around 700 pages and poses a particular challenge with the creation of language variants. As TRIXIE exports its products to over 80 countries, the catalog is translated into 12 languages.
Procedure
The product data, including text and images, is maintained and managed centrally in the crossbase database. They are then placed in an InDesign document via the print publishing module crossbase.print using table templates, where the catalog team inserts them into the final layout. The different language versions are arranged on separate layers in such a way that printing can be realized with a black plate change. This method significantly reduces printing costs in particular.
Layout templates ensure a consistent corporate design on all catalog pages. These templates can be flexibly adapted and help to significantly reduce the production time of the catalog. With the crossbase.printserver module, the production of the catalog including language variants can be distributed to several clients, enabling parallel processing and accelerating print publishing.
The catalog texts are created using rule-based text generation, in which individual text components are automatically merged into complete texts. Complex matrix tables, which are also created automatically by crossbase, present a particular challenge. Order numbers and corresponding barcodes are placed according to a defined scheme and the barcodes are also generated automatically.
The translations are carried out directly in the respective national companies and at sales partners via the web-based application for data maintenance - crossbase.web. The translated texts are seamlessly saved back into the database without the need for additional software.
Result
The crossbase solution enables TRIXIE to save considerable time in print production. Thanks to the use of templates, pages and tables are created automatically and the company-specific design is implemented uniformly.
Advantages
- Time savings thanks to automatic page and table production in crossbase.print
- Automated creation of space-saving matrix tables
- Barcode generation at the touch of a button
- Efficient translation and correction process for 12 foreign languages
- Standardized layout thanks to page templates
- Parallelization of print production through crossbase.printserver
- Reduced printing costs through black plate change
Solution details
About TRIXIE
As the European market leader for pet accessories, TRIXIE regularly supplies more than 8,500 specialist retail customers with around 6,500 articles for dogs, cats, birds, small animals, fish and reptiles. The extensive range is exported to 88 countries. The entire logistical support and processing is carried out from the company headquarters in Tarp (Schleswig-Holstein).
Find out more about how TRIXIE uses the opportunities offered by crossbase:
