Below you will find some highlights of the solution under consideration that particularly caught our attention during the analysis.

Modern architecture: MACH & cloud-first

Akeneo is firmly committed to modern software principles and is a member of the MACH Alliance, which stands for microservices, API-first, cloud-native SaaS and headless technologies. Akeneo thus pursues a best-of-breed approach and promotes an open, future-proof technology ecosystem. At the same time, Akeneo is committed to a clear cloud-first strategy: on-premise variants for new customers are no longer available, which simplifies development, increases stability and facilitates the integration of cloud-specific services such as security, scaling and performance.

Automatically generate data models – via Excel upload

By uploading a structured Excel file with product descriptions, the new Data Architect Agent can automatically generate an initial data model. Product families, variants, attributes and the associated selection values are derived from the contents of the file and transferred to an initial classification. This enables a quick start to data modelling – ideal for workshops, prototypes or the gradual introduction of a PIM system. Product knowledge from specialist departments can thus be transferred directly into structured data models – without any manual creation in the backend.

Scalability

The modern architecture described above facilitates high system scalability. This allows Akeneo to respond easily to its customers' requirements, whether temporary or growing over time.

Transparency & reliability

A specialised cloud team ensures the secure and stable operation of the platform through automated processes and continuous monitoring. Customers benefit from a transparent status page (https://status.akeneo.com/), which provides up-to-date information on availability, maintenance and performance data at all times. This enables reliable planning, rapid response times and optimal use of the platform.

Clear partner strategy

Akeneo no longer implements its own projects. Instead, it draws strength from its large number of integrators. This allows Akeneo to focus on further developing its own product and avoid the temptation to incorporate project-specific solutions into the product, which benefits the stability of the product. On the other hand, integrators can focus entirely on customer requirements and do not need to fear competition from the manufacturer.

Data quality management

Accurate master data is essential for a successful customer experience. In addition to business rules and the Supplier Data Management (SDM) module, Akeneo offers other powerful DQM functionalities. The comprehensive dashboard can display all kinds of reports on data quality, many of which are already included. For example, it is possible to display completeness per output channel and monitor background tasks and data flows from other systems. Reports can always be analysed in detail using drilldown to reveal and eliminate sources of error. Errors can be automatically assigned as tasks to the respective user group for correction.

App Store

Akeneo operates an app store that offers many extensions developed by partners or Akeneo itself for its in-house PIM system. Unlike marketplaces from other manufacturers, customers can install apps with just one click, as is familiar from Apple, Google or Microsoft. More than 150 integrations are now available in the App Store, making it easy to connect to existing e-commerce websites or DAM systems, for example. Akeneo's own modules are also easy to install, such as the AI-based Unifai Data Onboarder.

Activation

This module is particularly interesting for manufacturers who need to distribute their product data to many channels, such as marketplaces, online retailers, wholesalers, retailers, or purchasing cooperatives. Amazon, Google, eBay, and purchasing organisations of large corporations such as ABB and Airbus are among those supported. Unlike the apps, the channels are developed exclusively by Akeneo.

Expand without intervention

Akeneo's UI Extensions offer a flexible way to integrate customised functional enhancements directly into the user interface of the PIM system. This allows requirements that go beyond the standard to be implemented efficiently – without changing the core application. Example: An electronics manufacturer needs a customised view in which marketing and technical data can be displayed and edited side by side. With the help of a UI extension, this view is integrated directly into the Akeneo backend – completely in line with the look and feel of the existing system. This significantly improves overview and processing time without the need for extensive system customisation.