Case Study
Sykes Pickavant is an automotive tools & parts brand with over 100 years of experience supplying to car mechanics and enthusiasts alike. Since its founding in 1921, Sykes has established itself as one of the world’s foremost suppliers to the automotive industry, becoming a trusted name across Britain and beyond. With a product catalogue boasting everything from workshop tools to torque and engine suspensions, they’ve built an impressive clientele, ranging from leading car dealerships to farmers.
While the brand has continually evolved over the course of the last century to meet the ever-changing demands of the automotive industry, their digital presence started to feel left behind. It was time for much more than a tune up; Sykes’ website needed a total engine overhaul.
Sykes’s entire digital presence relied on an outdated website hardcoded on a custom platform. With a website unlikely to pass its e-commerce MOT, functionality was largely limited to basic product and document additions. As well as finding themselves mired by antiquated tech, their team recognised a missed opportunity; while their trade resellers reached the B2C market, they also wanted cash in on direct B2C engagement. To capitalise upon this, Kubix was called upon to take Sykes to top gear. Soon after our initial discussions began, our team of designers and developers envisioned a virtual catalogue for their loyal B2B clientele and a seamless e-commerce solution for potential B2C customers.
Sykes Pickavant is an automotive tools & parts brand with over 100 years of experience supplying to car mechanics and enthusiasts alike. Since its founding in 1921, Sykes has established itself as one of the world’s foremost suppliers to the automotive industry, becoming a trusted name across Britain and beyond. With a product catalogue boasting everything from workshop tools to torque and engine suspensions, they’ve built an impressive clientele, ranging from leading car dealerships to farmers.
While the brand has continually evolved over the course of the last century to meet the ever-changing demands of the automotive industry, their digital presence started to feel left behind. It was time for much more than a tune up; Sykes’ website needed a total engine overhaul.
Sykes’s entire digital presence relied on an outdated website hardcoded on a custom platform. With a website unlikely to pass its e-commerce MOT, functionality was largely limited to basic product and document additions. As well as finding themselves mired by antiquated tech, their team recognised a missed opportunity; while their trade resellers reached the B2C market, they also wanted cash in on direct B2C engagement. To capitalise upon this, Kubix was called upon to take Sykes to top gear. Soon after our initial discussions began, our team of designers and developers envisioned a virtual catalogue for their loyal B2B clientele and a seamless e-commerce solution for potential B2C customers.
Sykes Pickavant is an automotive tools & parts brand with over 100 years of experience supplying to car mechanics and enthusiasts alike. Since its founding in 1921, Sykes has established itself as one of the world’s foremost suppliers to the automotive industry, becoming a trusted name across Britain and beyond. With a product catalogue boasting everything from workshop tools to torque and engine suspensions, they’ve built an impressive clientele, ranging from leading car dealerships to farmers.
While the brand has continually evolved over the course of the last century to meet the ever-changing demands of the automotive industry, their digital presence started to feel left behind. It was time for much more than a tune up; Sykes’ website needed a total engine overhaul.
Sykes’s entire digital presence relied on an outdated website hardcoded on a custom platform. With a website unlikely to pass its e-commerce MOT, functionality was largely limited to basic product and document additions. As well as finding themselves mired by antiquated tech, their team recognised a missed opportunity; while their trade resellers reached the B2C market, they also wanted cash in on direct B2C engagement. To capitalise upon this, Kubix was called upon to take Sykes to top gear. Soon after our initial discussions began, our team of designers and developers envisioned a virtual catalogue for their loyal B2B clientele and a seamless e-commerce solution for potential B2C customers.
Sykes Pickavant is an automotive tools & parts brand with over 100 years of experience supplying to car mechanics and enthusiasts alike. Since its founding in 1921, Sykes has established itself as one of the world’s foremost suppliers to the automotive industry, becoming a trusted name across Britain and beyond. With a product catalogue boasting everything from workshop tools to torque and engine suspensions, they’ve built an impressive clientele, ranging from leading car dealerships to farmers.
While the brand has continually evolved over the course of the last century to meet the ever-changing demands of the automotive industry, their digital presence started to feel left behind. It was time for much more than a tune up; Sykes’ website needed a total engine overhaul.
Sykes’s entire digital presence relied on an outdated website hardcoded on a custom platform. With a website unlikely to pass its e-commerce MOT, functionality was largely limited to basic product and document additions. As well as finding themselves mired by antiquated tech, their team recognised a missed opportunity; while their trade resellers reached the B2C market, they also wanted cash in on direct B2C engagement. To capitalise upon this, Kubix was called upon to take Sykes to top gear. Soon after our initial discussions began, our team of designers and developers envisioned a virtual catalogue for their loyal B2B clientele and a seamless e-commerce solution for potential B2C customers.
With antiquated tech came an ageing design, necessitating a modern refresh. After creating a comprehensive moodboard and a variety of audits, dissecting their old design, and taking inspiration from across the web, Kubix updated Sykes’s brand elements - from typeface to colour palette - and introduced them to a dynamic Shopify theme tailored for extensive catalogues of products across dozens of collections.
While design was key, the tech was our biggest focus for this project, and quickly our operations team and developers turned the ignition and began working to understand the complex set up that powered the business. Much of the old site’s operational backbone was built around accounting software Sage, housing everything from product information to customer accounts. Kubix faced the challenge of integrating Sage's rich data with Shopify. We implemented Zynk, a Shopify and Sage integration, which served as the translator, seamlessly feeding Sage's data to Shopify via another tool called SparkLayer. This ensured that long-standing business clients (some dating back to the 1920s!) saw their custom prices, credit terms, and other account details when logged in to the new website. Vital components for a B2B website serving such a diverse clientele, all seamlessly integrated with Shopify.
With antiquated tech came an ageing design, necessitating a modern refresh. After creating a comprehensive moodboard and a variety of audits, dissecting their old design, and taking inspiration from across the web, Kubix updated Sykes’s brand elements - from typeface to colour palette - and introduced them to a dynamic Shopify theme tailored for extensive catalogues of products across dozens of collections.
While design was key, the tech was our biggest focus for this project, and quickly our operations team and developers turned the ignition and began working to understand the complex set up that powered the business. Much of the old site’s operational backbone was built around accounting software Sage, housing everything from product information to customer accounts. Kubix faced the challenge of integrating Sage's rich data with Shopify. We implemented Zynk, a Shopify and Sage integration, which served as the translator, seamlessly feeding Sage's data to Shopify via another tool called SparkLayer. This ensured that long-standing business clients (some dating back to the 1920s!) saw their custom prices, credit terms, and other account details when logged in to the new website. Vital components for a B2B website serving such a diverse clientele, all seamlessly integrated with Shopify.
With antiquated tech came an ageing design, necessitating a modern refresh. After creating a comprehensive moodboard and a variety of audits, dissecting their old design, and taking inspiration from across the web, Kubix updated Sykes’s brand elements - from typeface to colour palette - and introduced them to a dynamic Shopify theme tailored for extensive catalogues of products across dozens of collections.
While design was key, the tech was our biggest focus for this project, and quickly our operations team and developers turned the ignition and began working to understand the complex set up that powered the business. Much of the old site’s operational backbone was built around accounting software Sage, housing everything from product information to customer accounts. Kubix faced the challenge of integrating Sage's rich data with Shopify. We implemented Zynk, a Shopify and Sage integration, which served as the translator, seamlessly feeding Sage's data to Shopify via another tool called SparkLayer. This ensured that long-standing business clients (some dating back to the 1920s!) saw their custom prices, credit terms, and other account details when logged in to the new website. Vital components for a B2B website serving such a diverse clientele, all seamlessly integrated with Shopify.
With antiquated tech came an ageing design, necessitating a modern refresh. After creating a comprehensive moodboard and a variety of audits, dissecting their old design, and taking inspiration from across the web, Kubix updated Sykes’s brand elements - from typeface to colour palette - and introduced them to a dynamic Shopify theme tailored for extensive catalogues of products across dozens of collections.
While design was key, the tech was our biggest focus for this project, and quickly our operations team and developers turned the ignition and began working to understand the complex set up that powered the business. Much of the old site’s operational backbone was built around accounting software Sage, housing everything from product information to customer accounts. Kubix faced the challenge of integrating Sage's rich data with Shopify. We implemented Zynk, a Shopify and Sage integration, which served as the translator, seamlessly feeding Sage's data to Shopify via another tool called SparkLayer. This ensured that long-standing business clients (some dating back to the 1920s!) saw their custom prices, credit terms, and other account details when logged in to the new website. Vital components for a B2B website serving such a diverse clientele, all seamlessly integrated with Shopify.
Transferring such a vast product range wasn't nearly as straightforward as swapping a car for the latest model. Kubix managed extensive CSV manipulation to move products, establish parent-child product relationships, and link essential product documents such as manuals, to thousands of unique items.
With products ready to hit the road, it was time to work on the differing purchasing options required for Sykes’s B2B customers. Kubix implemented a powerful dual purchasing route: regular customers saw list prices, while B2B clients with special terms accessed their customised pricing upon login to a dedicated customer account. On the logistics side, Intuitive Shipping, a third-party Shopify app, was integrated to tailor shipping rates based on product and destination; a key requirement for a brand that sell products as small as a tiny specialised drill bit, all the way up to a giant engine crane capable of lifting a 1000kg engine - two items with very different shipping costs.
Deploying a sophisticated digital solution in a traditional setup demanded extensive support and change management. Kubix ensured that Sykes's team was comfortable and competent in utilising their new platform, turning potential hurdles into opportunities for taking things to the next level. We walked them through all of the new tools and platforms we introduced, giving them the confidence to manage the new site and get the very best out of it.
Transferring such a vast product range wasn't nearly as straightforward as swapping a car for the latest model. Kubix managed extensive CSV manipulation to move products, establish parent-child product relationships, and link essential product documents such as manuals, to thousands of unique items.
With products ready to hit the road, it was time to work on the differing purchasing options required for Sykes’s B2B customers. Kubix implemented a powerful dual purchasing route: regular customers saw list prices, while B2B clients with special terms accessed their customised pricing upon login to a dedicated customer account. On the logistics side, Intuitive Shipping, a third-party Shopify app, was integrated to tailor shipping rates based on product and destination; a key requirement for a brand that sell products as small as a tiny specialised drill bit, all the way up to a giant engine crane capable of lifting a 1000kg engine - two items with very different shipping costs.
Deploying a sophisticated digital solution in a traditional setup demanded extensive support and change management. Kubix ensured that Sykes's team was comfortable and competent in utilising their new platform, turning potential hurdles into opportunities for taking things to the next level. We walked them through all of the new tools and platforms we introduced, giving them the confidence to manage the new site and get the very best out of it.
Transferring such a vast product range wasn't nearly as straightforward as swapping a car for the latest model. Kubix managed extensive CSV manipulation to move products, establish parent-child product relationships, and link essential product documents such as manuals, to thousands of unique items.
With products ready to hit the road, it was time to work on the differing purchasing options required for Sykes’s B2B customers. Kubix implemented a powerful dual purchasing route: regular customers saw list prices, while B2B clients with special terms accessed their customised pricing upon login to a dedicated customer account. On the logistics side, Intuitive Shipping, a third-party Shopify app, was integrated to tailor shipping rates based on product and destination; a key requirement for a brand that sell products as small as a tiny specialised drill bit, all the way up to a giant engine crane capable of lifting a 1000kg engine - two items with very different shipping costs.
Deploying a sophisticated digital solution in a traditional setup demanded extensive support and change management. Kubix ensured that Sykes's team was comfortable and competent in utilising their new platform, turning potential hurdles into opportunities for taking things to the next level. We walked them through all of the new tools and platforms we introduced, giving them the confidence to manage the new site and get the very best out of it.
Transferring such a vast product range wasn't nearly as straightforward as swapping a car for the latest model. Kubix managed extensive CSV manipulation to move products, establish parent-child product relationships, and link essential product documents such as manuals, to thousands of unique items.
With products ready to hit the road, it was time to work on the differing purchasing options required for Sykes’s B2B customers. Kubix implemented a powerful dual purchasing route: regular customers saw list prices, while B2B clients with special terms accessed their customised pricing upon login to a dedicated customer account. On the logistics side, Intuitive Shipping, a third-party Shopify app, was integrated to tailor shipping rates based on product and destination; a key requirement for a brand that sell products as small as a tiny specialised drill bit, all the way up to a giant engine crane capable of lifting a 1000kg engine - two items with very different shipping costs.
Deploying a sophisticated digital solution in a traditional setup demanded extensive support and change management. Kubix ensured that Sykes's team was comfortable and competent in utilising their new platform, turning potential hurdles into opportunities for taking things to the next level. We walked them through all of the new tools and platforms we introduced, giving them the confidence to manage the new site and get the very best out of it.
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With the new site now live, the changes are immediately obvious for anyone who visits the new website. Let’s walk through the benefits, for both the client and their customers:
1. Live Catalogue
Gone are the days of static product listings and outdated inventory counts. The new website functions much like a live catalogue. Powered by real-time stock levels directly from Sage, both B2B and B2C customers can now check product availability in an instant. This dynamic catalogue ensures that what users see is what they get.
2. Information Accessibility
In the fast-paced automotive world, access to precise and immediate information is vital. With the new website, every user, irrespective of their preferred ordering method, has the luxury of accessing all product details and pricing with ease. This transparency not only boosts user confidence but also streamlines the purchase journey.
3. Empowering The Sales Team
A strong online presence doesn't just benefit the end-users; it's a boon for the sales team as well. Armed with an updated, responsive website, their ground sales team is now in a position to confidently showcase products. This digital tool enhances their pitch, enriches client engagement, and amplifies their ability to close deals.
4. Future-Ready Platform
Adapting to the present is great, but preparing for the future is vital. With their new website, Sykes Pickavant isn't just matching modern e-commerce standards; they're setting themselves up for the long haul. The scalable nature of Shopify is not just about meeting current needs but is primed to evolve with their future aspirations and changes in business.
With the new site now live, the changes are immediately obvious for anyone who visits the new website. Let’s walk through the benefits, for both the client and their customers:
1. Live Catalogue
Gone are the days of static product listings and outdated inventory counts. The new website functions much like a live catalogue. Powered by real-time stock levels directly from Sage, both B2B and B2C customers can now check product availability in an instant. This dynamic catalogue ensures that what users see is what they get.
2. Information Accessibility
In the fast-paced automotive world, access to precise and immediate information is vital. With the new website, every user, irrespective of their preferred ordering method, has the luxury of accessing all product details and pricing with ease. This transparency not only boosts user confidence but also streamlines the purchase journey.
3. Empowering The Sales Team
A strong online presence doesn't just benefit the end-users; it's a boon for the sales team as well. Armed with an updated, responsive website, their ground sales team is now in a position to confidently showcase products. This digital tool enhances their pitch, enriches client engagement, and amplifies their ability to close deals.
4. Future-Ready Platform
Adapting to the present is great, but preparing for the future is vital. With their new website, Sykes Pickavant isn't just matching modern e-commerce standards; they're setting themselves up for the long haul. The scalable nature of Shopify is not just about meeting current needs but is primed to evolve with their future aspirations and changes in business.
With the new site now live, the changes are immediately obvious for anyone who visits the new website. Let’s walk through the benefits, for both the client and their customers:
1. Live Catalogue
Gone are the days of static product listings and outdated inventory counts. The new website functions much like a live catalogue. Powered by real-time stock levels directly from Sage, both B2B and B2C customers can now check product availability in an instant. This dynamic catalogue ensures that what users see is what they get.
2. Information Accessibility
In the fast-paced automotive world, access to precise and immediate information is vital. With the new website, every user, irrespective of their preferred ordering method, has the luxury of accessing all product details and pricing with ease. This transparency not only boosts user confidence but also streamlines the purchase journey.
3. Empowering The Sales Team
A strong online presence doesn't just benefit the end-users; it's a boon for the sales team as well. Armed with an updated, responsive website, their ground sales team is now in a position to confidently showcase products. This digital tool enhances their pitch, enriches client engagement, and amplifies their ability to close deals.
4. Future-Ready Platform
Adapting to the present is great, but preparing for the future is vital. With their new website, Sykes Pickavant isn't just matching modern e-commerce standards; they're setting themselves up for the long haul. The scalable nature of Shopify is not just about meeting current needs but is primed to evolve with their future aspirations and changes in business.
With the new site now live, the changes are immediately obvious for anyone who visits the new website. Let’s walk through the benefits, for both the client and their customers:
1. Live Catalogue
Gone are the days of static product listings and outdated inventory counts. The new website functions much like a live catalogue. Powered by real-time stock levels directly from Sage, both B2B and B2C customers can now check product availability in an instant. This dynamic catalogue ensures that what users see is what they get.
2. Information Accessibility
In the fast-paced automotive world, access to precise and immediate information is vital. With the new website, every user, irrespective of their preferred ordering method, has the luxury of accessing all product details and pricing with ease. This transparency not only boosts user confidence but also streamlines the purchase journey.
3. Empowering The Sales Team
A strong online presence doesn't just benefit the end-users; it's a boon for the sales team as well. Armed with an updated, responsive website, their ground sales team is now in a position to confidently showcase products. This digital tool enhances their pitch, enriches client engagement, and amplifies their ability to close deals.
4. Future-Ready Platform
Adapting to the present is great, but preparing for the future is vital. With their new website, Sykes Pickavant isn't just matching modern e-commerce standards; they're setting themselves up for the long haul. The scalable nature of Shopify is not just about meeting current needs but is primed to evolve with their future aspirations and changes in business.
With a rich history spanning more than a century, Sykes Pickavant's goal to modernise without losing their essence posed a unique challenge. A challenge that our Kubix team were keen to overcome. Adopting a holistic approach, we seamlessly integrated the brand’s storied past with cutting-edge e-commerce. The outcome? A flawless unison of tradition and technology, and a great partnership between Sykes and Kubix. There’s a long and bright road ahead.
With a rich history spanning more than a century, Sykes Pickavant's goal to modernise without losing their essence posed a unique challenge. A challenge that our Kubix team were keen to overcome. Adopting a holistic approach, we seamlessly integrated the brand’s storied past with cutting-edge e-commerce. The outcome? A flawless unison of tradition and technology, and a great partnership between Sykes and Kubix. There’s a long and bright road ahead.
With a rich history spanning more than a century, Sykes Pickavant's goal to modernise without losing their essence posed a unique challenge. A challenge that our Kubix team were keen to overcome. Adopting a holistic approach, we seamlessly integrated the brand’s storied past with cutting-edge e-commerce. The outcome? A flawless unison of tradition and technology, and a great partnership between Sykes and Kubix. There’s a long and bright road ahead.
With a rich history spanning more than a century, Sykes Pickavant's goal to modernise without losing their essence posed a unique challenge. A challenge that our Kubix team were keen to overcome. Adopting a holistic approach, we seamlessly integrated the brand’s storied past with cutting-edge e-commerce. The outcome? A flawless unison of tradition and technology, and a great partnership between Sykes and Kubix. There’s a long and bright road ahead.
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