Forward-Looking Digital Communication with Coremedia

The relaunch, which was based on the Content Management System CoreMedia 8, was a necessity because the website was not responsive (optimized for mobile devices) and was visually outdated. The VDE Group was looking for a service provider that was also capable of hosting and operating the new CMS. For this reason, VDE opted for Arvato Systems. The project’s particular challenge was the tight timeframe. There were only nine months scheduled for everything from the initial meetings to the launch. In addition, Arvato Systems was required to sign a contract agreeing to meet the deadline.

VDE was looking for a CMS with a Web-based editorial system with an integrated page preview as part of the editor. The system needed to be able to connect to third-party systems via interfaces, facilitating data exchange and the associated currency of information. It was also important to be able to flexibly expand the system. A powerful taxonomy-based search feature was also required to better support visitors to the website and greatly improve usability. Further, it needed to be possible to integrate updated news and content from the social media channels into the website on a daily basis.

Arvato Systems first performed a gap analysis in order to identify the missing elements to achieve the desired suitability of the websites for mobile devices during the initial creation phase. This was followed by the adaptation of the UX design using the client’s existing specifications while at the same time developing a finely tuned IT concept. Arvato Systems’ project-specific services also included the training of around 100 editors as well as on-site editorial support. After meeting the go-live deadline, Arvato Systems continued to develop the CMS further as part of several subsequent releases. Editorial tasks were simplified, the system was adapted to the revised corporate design, and extended search and filter features were implemented.