Promidata founder and CEO, Roy Kemmerling.
NL – The Dutch company, Promidata, Kerkrade, is celebrating its 20th anniversary next year. Roy Kemmerling and Erwin Bakker began digitalising product data and storing it in a database with the aim of organising products more efficiently and simplifying quotes. The database was called Promotional Content and was intended to be a modern alternative to cumbersome paper catalogues.
The database quickly advanced into a system with a search function, quotations, orders and invoices – the complete software solution Promotional Office. Promidata achieved its break-through after expanding to Germany in the year 2012. Kemmerling was convinced by the German mentality: “Business is simply totally different there. Agreements are kept, long-term plans are set and trust is the foundation of every partnership.” Promidata grew faster in Germany, Austria and Switzerland than in the Netherlands; in cooperation with Sourcing City the company then expanded to the United Kingdom in 2016.
According to company accounts, although the online shop is an important part of the offer, the actual strength lies in the data behind it. Structured product information that forms the basis of all the systems, ensures that the prices, texts and printing data is always accurate. “High-quality data is what makes the difference, not the software itself. It keeps the processes streamlined and our system reliable for all parties involved,” is how Kemmerling explained the difference to other suppliers. “None of our competitors offer a comparable comprehensive service. Online shops, data services, ERP, fulfilment, sourcing, logo tools – we supply everything from one source. That is what makes us unique in this industry.”
After 20 years as founder and CEO, Kemmerling now consciously leaves the day-to-day business to his team that is managed by the COO, Mart Hellenbrand, who joined the company in 2015 as a trainee. As the interface between vision and implementation, he makes sure ideas become functional products. The Sales Consultant, Frank Hanssen, supports him as a link between the market and development, incorporating customers’ perspectives into the team.
SynQore is ready to be introduced as the successor to Promotional Office just in time for the anniversary. A fully web-based ERP system that unites quotations, orders, invoices and communication in one single interface. “SynQore isn’t a new beginning, it is the logical further development of everything we have learned,” Hellenbrand explained. “We want to make our customers’ everyday work routine easier. No detours, no unnecessary steps. Keep it simple – that is our guiding principle.”
In spite of the high interest shown, the new programme is to be introduced gradually to ensure quality and stability. Promidata intends to continue accompanying the industry in the future, helping it further develop, providing solutions that simplify processes and thus creating time for relationships, ideas and growth.
