BAUR decided to use a self-learning Recommendation Engine from the data mining specialist prudsys AG, an associated company of the Pironet NDH Group in Cologne.
The prudsys Recommendation Engine was implemented in the web shop in only four weeks, and since late June has been providing visitors of the BAUR web shop highly qualified product recommendations. To do this the prudsys Recommendation Engine compares each shopping basket with others, and recommends articles that complement the selection on the basis of the product relationships. This Recommendation Engine operates on a self-learning basis and in real time, thus enabling the customer’s response to recommendations to be registered immediately and the offering to be modified dynamically. This opens up new cross-selling options for the mail order company: the visitors stay in the shop longer, and because of the growing number of spontaneous purchases there is a marked increase
in the average value and also the number of shopping baskets.
Dirk Lauber, head of E-Commerce at BAUR, has the following to say about the company's decision: "A basic requirement in selecting the software was a suitable performance of the solution in live operation. With our high visitor volume this is essential. In addition, we must also ensure that there is no problem in handling rapid changes of goods assortments, short availability times for goods and constantly changing trends. That's one of the particular features of mail order selling."
The software solution's adaptability and future-proof design were also decisive factors for BAUR Versand's choice. Consequently the BAUR team assessed the potential partners’ development potential and innovative strength up front.
"We’re pleased to have gained BAUR as a customer, a company with which we can develop not only the topic of recommendation but also further innovative features such as Web 2.0 and self-service applications," explain Georg Kühl, Director Consulting & Creative Services at Pironet NDH AG and Jens Scholz, member of the prudsys board.
"For us it was important to find a partner with solid professional experience, because an understanding of processes and industry-specific requirements is essential for smooth implementation. That’s ultimately why we were convinced by the overall package from Pironet NDH and prudsys," explains Dirk Lauber.