Successful use of the crossbase API server at CREATON
CREATON AG has optimized its website and the "myCreaton" mobile app with an innovative API connection to the crossbase PIM system. This is because central data management contributes to more efficient workflows and future-proof digitalization.
Initial situation
The CREATON website was previously maintained separately from crossbase in a stand-alone Typo3 system. As a result, a lot of information had to be stored redundantly and processes, e.g. for translation and image conversion, had to be mapped on two tracks. In the course of updating the CMS system to the latest version, the product section of the website was to be linked to the crossbase database and populated with the product information already maintained there.
The aim of this connection was to reduce the data maintenance effort and the susceptibility to errors, as the product information is no longer maintained in parallel in two systems, but only in crossbase and then automatically transferred to Typo3.
Procedure
The introduction of an API interface with web services in JSON/REST format (Representational State Transfer) was chosen for the connection. The advantage here is the highest possible flexibility. No XML interface needs to be configured; instead, the data can be flexibly retrieved via various customer-specific web services and integrated into the target system.
The interface was implemented with the API server (crossbase.api). A service runs on a server that can be queried via defined ports and returns the data when called via web services. The data is processed using DTOs ("data transfer objects") defined together with the customer and transmitted in the desired form.
The API interface provides all data in prepared objects for nightly synchronization. These can be easily read in and processed by the target system. The agency Techdivision, which also implemented the website in Typo3, created an import program for the data transfer.
However, the API interface is not only used by CREATON for the product part of the website, but also to provide data for the newly implemented mobile app "myCreaton". Both systems use the same DTOs. This eliminates additional maintenance and coordination work.
All product data displayed in the product section of the website and the "myCreaton" app now only needs to be maintained in one place - in the crossbase PIM system. This means that adjustments and additions to the database can be made quickly and automatically to the various channels.
Result
By connecting the website and the "myCreaton" mobile app to the crossbase PIM system, the data maintenance effort has been significantly reduced and the susceptibility to errors minimized. Changes and additions to the product data are maintained centrally and automatically transferred to all channels, resulting in an efficient and future-proof system landscape.
Advantages
- Reduced maintenance effort: Product data only needs to be maintained centrally in the crossbase PIM system, eliminating redundant data storage.
- Error reduction: Automated data transfer minimizes sources of error that can occur with manual double maintenance.
- Efficient data provision: Uniform use of the data structure (DTOs) for the website and mobile app saves maintenance and coordination effort.
- Fast updates: Changes and additions to product data are automatically transferred to all connected channels.
- Future-proof flexibility: The API interface in JSON/REST format enables easy integration of additional systems or extensions.
About CREATON
CREATON GmbH, headquartered in Wertingen near Augsburg, is one of the largest German manufacturers of clay roof tiles. As the market leader for plain tiles and one of the leading suppliers of pressed roof tiles in Europe, the company employs 800 people at 10 locations and 16 production plants. CREATON has been part of the Austrian Wienerberger AG since March 2024.
Find out more about how CREATON uses the opportunities offered by crossbase:
