Global Retailer + mindit.io: Streamlining Product Management with a Secure, Centralized Masterdata Portal

Client background

Our client is one of the world’s leading retail companies, operating across hundreds of airport, travel, and specialty retail locations globally. With a vast network of suppliers and diverse regional needs, the client required a scalable solution to manage product listings and store assortments efficiently and securely.

As the business grew, so did the complexity of handling supplier-submitted product proposals and internal product lifecycle processes. The retailer needed a platform to centralize, secure, and streamline interactions between suppliers and internal teams.

/Key Results

Streamlined supplier interactions and product submissions

Reduced product processing time and accelerated time-to-market

Enhanced data quality through standardized templates and validation

Enabled targeted assortments tailored to store size and demographics

Secured external access with advanced security protocols

/The Challenge

The client faced operational and technical challenges typical of high-volume, multi-region retailers:

Dispersed Product Data: No single system to manage shop-level product listings and supplier updates

Manual Workflows: New product onboarding and price changes required excessive internal coordination

Data Quality Risks: Inconsistent formats from suppliers increased error rates and slowed approvals

Security Needs: External supplier access to internal systems demanded strict compliance and protection

Retail Complexity: Processes had to accommodate varying regional product strategies and regulations

With increasing product volumes and supplier interactions, the existing processes were unsustainable for scaling.

/Project Goals

mindit.io set out to design and implement a secure Masterdata Portal that would serve both external and internal stakeholders. The solution was expected to:

Enable Secure Supplier Access: Facilitate external product submissions and updates through a secure, intuitive interface

Streamline Internal Processes: Centralize assortment listings and improve product lifecycle management

Ensure Data Integrity: Standardize and validate inputs to reduce errors and improve data reliability

Support Localized Product Strategies: Allow for assortment customization per store, based on size and passenger demographics

Build a Scalable Foundation: Accommodate growth, process complexity, and future integrations

/mindit.io’s Solution

The solution was delivered as a centralized Masterdata Portal composed of two tightly integrated modules:

Supplier Portal:

User-friendly interface for submitting new products and updating costs

Standardized Excel templates for consistency

Configurable submission windows or always-open flows

Automated validation to catch data entry errors early

Advanced approval flows tailored to internal governance processes

Robust security: Multi-factor authentication, encryption, and role-based access ensured secure supplier interaction

Shop Assortment Module:

Central repository for all shop and company data across the global network

Automation for listing management, including product discontinuations and additions

On-demand report generation to track product availability and listing status

Technologies used included Java, Angular, and manual QA workflows to ensure high-quality delivery and performance.

/Results

The implementation of the Masterdata Portal delivered immediate benefits to both internal and external users:

Faster Time-to-Market: Submission-to-approval cycle times reduced dramatically

Higher Data Accuracy: Standard templates and validation eliminated manual rework

Improved Team Productivity: Automation allowed staff to shift from data entry to strategic decision-making

Better Supplier Collaboration: Clear processes and intuitive tools built stronger supplier relationships

Localized Product Strategy: Shop Assortment Module enabled precision assortments tailored to each store’s needs

Security Confidence: Encryption and authentication protocols ensured safe access for external users

/Client Testimonial

“The Masterdata Portal built with mindit.io helped us gain control over a highly complex process. Our suppliers now have a seamless, secure way to submit updates, and our internal teams are much more agile.”

/Visuals and Supporting Media

To demonstrate the functionality and impact of the solution, the following assets were developed:

Portal Screenshots: Show supplier submission flows and internal assortment views

Process Flow Diagrams: Visualize the submission, validation, and approval journeys

Security Architecture Overview: Detail encryption layers and authentication mechanisms

Performance Dashboards: Highlight portal usage metrics and data validation success rates

/Strategic Takeaways

This project demonstrates how global retailers can modernize and secure their product management workflows:

Centralized Portals Improve Collaboration: Internal and external stakeholders work better together with unified tools

Standardization Drives Accuracy: Templates and validation eliminate data inconsistencies

Security is Non-Negotiable: External access demands enterprise-grade protection

Flexibility Matters: Systems must support local differences while aligning to global standards

Scalability is Key: Retailers must plan now for the complexity and growth of tomorrow

/What’s Next?

Looking to simplify your product data management or streamline supplier collaboration?
Let’s talk about how mindit.io can help you build secure, scalable platforms like we did for this global retailer.

Connect with our experts

/ retail

A major global retailer partnered with mindit.io to overhaul its product and supplier data management processes. With hundreds of retail locations worldwide and an expanding assortment of products, the client faced inefficiencies in supplier collaboration and shop-level assortment management. To address these challenges, mindit.io developed a centralized Masterdata Portal comprised of two core modules: an external Supplier Portal and an internal Shop Assortment Module.

The solution empowered suppliers to securely submit product proposals and cost updates, while giving internal teams full control over shop-specific assortments. With advanced automation, robust security, and a user-friendly interface, the portal significantly reduced processing times, improved data quality, and enhanced supplier relationships.

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