🚀 Case Study: Protec – Streamlining E-commerce Success with OneTimePIM

🏗️ Overview

Protec, the UK's leading manufacturer, supplier, and recycler of temporary protection materials and sustainable site signage, has been safeguarding construction projects for over 30 years. With a reputation as a key partner for Tier One contractors, subcontractors, and major housebuilders, Protec sought to expand its direct-to-industry sales model with a robust e-commerce platform. Launching on March 21, 2025, their new site at protection.co.uk required a seamless way to manage and distribute complex product data across thousands of SKUs. Enter OneTimePIM—Protec's choice for a centralized, efficient, and scalable Product Information Management (PIM) solution! ✨

🤔 The Challenge

Protec's extensive catalog—including flame-retardant Proplex boards, Roleplex translucent sheeting, and tapes in various sizes and thicknesses—demanded precise data management. With a 3,000-pallet-space warehouse and a commitment to selling directly to the construction industry, Protec needed to:

• 📊 Ensure accurate, customer-friendly product details (e.g., variant descriptions like "ideal for" statements) to reduce inquiries.
• 🛒 Integrate with WooCommerce for a smooth e-commerce launch.
• 🔄 Support ongoing updates post-launch, reflecting their innovative and sustainable ethos.
• 🎬 Manage digital assets like videos and datasheets to showcase product benefits.

Jane Nugent, a key member of Protec's team, spearheaded the effort to prepare the site. "We needed a system that could handle our wide range of products and let us make changes quickly," Jane explained. "Without it, updating each product one by one would be so time-consuming that we'd never get it done." 😩

💡 The Solution: OneTimePIM

Protec turned to OneTimePIM for its all-in-one PIM capabilities, free setup, and unlimited feature access. Here's how OneTimePIM transformed their launch:

🔗 E-commerce Integration

Using OneTimePIM's custom WooCommerce connector, Protec mapped attributes like SKUs, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and variant descriptions to their online store. "It creates descriptions for each product variant," said Connor, from the web agency partnering with OneTimePIM. "The system connects everything together smoothly and quickly." ⚡

🏢 Centralized Data Management

OneTimePIM became Protec's single source of truth, consolidating data for products like 2m, 3m, and 4m Proplex boards. Jane praised its efficiency: "It's been such a good investment. I can't imagine trying to do this any other way—it would be impossible!" 🏠

🔧 Real-Time Fixes

During a pre-launch meeting, a data display issue was spotted—datasheets showed only key features, not full descriptions. OneTimePIM's flexibility shone as Chris Hodgkiss, a OneTimePIM representative, implemented a fallback attribute in minutes. "That looks so much better," Jane noted. "It's amazing how easy it is to instantly change the site by just making a change to the PIM." 🛠️

📈 Scalability for Growth

With unlimited channels and attribute sets, OneTimePIM supported Protec's diverse needs, from MOQs (e.g., packs of 12) to video uploads for customer education. "When we add new variant descriptions, they show up right away across the website," Jane said, highlighting the system's adaptability. 🌱

🤖 Free AI Assistant

OneTimePIM's AI tool helped enrich descriptions, aligning with Protec's innovation focus, while the integrated Digital Asset Management (DAM) streamlined media handling. 🧠

🎯 The Results

On March 21, 2025, protection.co.uk went live, powered by OneTimePIM. The results were immediate and impactful:

• 🎉 Launch Success: Protec's team, including Jane, with support from Pat Violaris (Managing Director of OneTimePIM) and Chris Hodgkiss of OneTimePIM, delivered a site with accurate, accessible product data, meeting their tight deadline.
• 🔍 Customer Clarity: Variant descriptions reduced confusion (e.g., "2 meters ideal for…"), cutting potential support calls—a win for Protec's customer-centric approach.
• ⏱️ Efficiency Gains: Bulk updates via OneTimePIM's spreadsheet view and API access saved hours, as Jane noted: "In just a couple of minutes, Chris fixed it for every single product in our catalog."
• 🔝 Ongoing Improvement: Post-launch, Protec continues refining data, leveraging OneTimePIM's scalability. "It's an ongoing process," Jane said. "We've done our best for now, but we'll keep making improvements as we go."

💬 Testimonial

Jane Nugent summed up the experience: "OneTimePIM saved us again. It's not just about launching the site—it's about being able to make quick fixes and keep everything running smoothly. We're almost there, and it's been a real game-changer for us." 🙌

🤩 Why OneTimePIM?

Protec chose OneTimePIM for its no-paywall features, free onboarding, and Microsoft Azure-backed reliability. From automated datasheets to permission settings, it offered everything Protec needed to grow without limits. As a UK leader in sustainable protection materials, Protec found a partner in OneTimePIM that matched their commitment to quality and innovation. 💚

🔮 Looking Ahead

With OneTimePIM, Protec is poised to expand its e-commerce presence, supported by a PIM that evolves with them. Whether adding recycled product lines or enhancing site signage data, OneTimePIM ensures Protec remains the UK's go-to for temporary protection—direct, sustainable, and customer-focused. 🌟