How does 2imagine work with PIM, DAM, ERP or CMS systems?

2imagine connects to existing systems through APIs, imports or project-specific integrations. Hakron’s catalog workflow, for example, uses product information from SyncForce and Virto before 2imagine applies the document logic and makes the output available for review. The same principle can be used with other PIM, ERP, DAM, CMS or commerce environments. The goal is not to replace those core systems, but to turn their approved data into controlled, on-brand documents.

Does the complete document workflow need to be automated at once?

No. A phased approach usually creates a more reliable starting point. Hakron first connected the repeatable, product-driven core of its catalog flow while keeping specialist review for exceptional tables, editorial pages and layout decisions. Each production cycle then shows which remaining manual intervention should become the next reusable rule.

What efficiency gains can phased document automation deliver?

Results depend on the selected workflow, data quality and the amount of repetitive handling. For Hakron’s integrated catalog solution, Innovadis reports 30% lower production costs, 25% faster time to market and 50% higher efficiency. The next optimisation phase focuses on the repeatable production steps that still require manual intervention. For suitable steps, 2imagine sets a minimum target of 80% less manual handling. At Hakron, this remains a future objective rather than a result already achieved across the complete catalog process. Specialist review remains where it adds value.

Hakron use case | Construction catalog automation

Why catalog updates took weeks

A catalog is not current merely because the latest product information exists in a system. The data still has to reach the right assortment, language, table, page and final PDF.

At Hakron, a small text correction may affect one item. A new product, changed article structure or replacement range can touch several catalog variants. Lead times became unpredictable across product information, catalog selection, layout preparation and review.

Hakron already used publishing tools. The opportunity was not a platform reset, but a better connection between approved product information, recurring catalog logic and specialist review.

Connect the repeatable core first. Use every production cycle to turn the next recurring correction into a reusable rule.

How Hakron changed the workflow

Hakron is improving the catalog process in stages. Each stage removes avoidable handling while preserving the systems and specialist review that already add value.

Maintain approved product information

Hakron manages the catalog input in SyncForce. Only concrete, approved information moves into the publishing process.

Pass updates into the publishing workflow

Approved product information is passed through Virto into the connected publishing process, normally by the following day.

Apply the document logic

2imagine uses InDesign-based templates and publishing rules to compose recurring content in the correct catalog structure.

Review the generated catalog

Product experts, marketing and DTP can review and adjust the online output where human input still adds value. Marketing manages covers, introduction pages and campaign content in 2imagine Brand Portal, while recurring catalog content generated from approved product data remains controlled.

Turn recurring corrections into reusable rules

Recurring interventions in non-product pages, unusual tables and production details become candidates for better data rules, template logic or controlled automation.

Customer quote

“We are now able to create our catalog in an automated way. Creating and updating no longer takes months. Important for us is the fact we can stay in our e-commerce platform Virto to manage our product information, with a live preview of how it will be published in the catalog.”

Gert-Jan Renes
Senior Marketeer | TAP Groep

Results so far

Beyond faster publishing, the integrated solution has delivered measurable gains. Innovadis reports the following results for the combined Hakron implementation with SyncForce, Virto and 2imagine:

Production cost

30% lower

Reported across the integrated catalog solution.

Time to market

25% faster

Reported for the connected production workflow.

Efficiency

50% higher

Reported for the combined implementation.

Hakron's operating experience adds another practical result: once product information is concrete and approved, changes that previously often took weeks can generally be processed within a few days. The publication route is shorter, while approval and specialist review remain part of a controlled process.

What the workflow delivers today — and what comes next

The connected workflow already shortens update cycles, supports multiple catalog variants and keeps generated output available for online review. The next optimization phase is to translate more recurring interventions into reusable rules.

What the workflow delivers today

Approved product information moves through the connected publishing workflow.
Recurring content enters an InDesign-based catalog structure.
Multiple catalog variants use the same connected publishing environment.
Generated output remains available for online review and adjustment.

Next priorities for workflow optimization

Identify repeated corrections in non-product and editorial pages.
Standardize unusual table or layout patterns where they are repeatable.
Capture page-numbering and production rules in reusable logic.
Reduce agency or DTP interventions that can be translated into controlled rules.

For suitable, repeatable production steps, 2imagine sets a minimum target of 80% less manual handling. At Hakron, this remains the objective for the next optimization phase, not a result already achieved across the complete catalog process. Specialist review remains where it adds value.

From weeks of catalog updates to a fast, controlled publishing flow

Catalog scope

Customer experience

Update speed

Discuss your workflow