The European manufacturing sector stands at a crossroads, where digital transformation is not just a competitive advantage but a necessity. With a complex regulatory environment, diverse operational models, and a legacy of deeply integrated systems, manufacturers across Europe face unique challenges in modernizing their B2B commerce capabilities. Publicis Sapient’s proven approach to digital transformation—demonstrated in engagements with global leaders like Goodyear—offers a blueprint for success that can be tailored to the specific needs of European industrial firms.
European manufacturers operate in a landscape shaped by stringent regulations such as GDPR, intricate cross-border logistics, and a patchwork of legacy IT systems. These factors create hurdles that are distinct from those faced by their counterparts in other regions:
Publicis Sapient brings deep industry expertise and a track record of delivering measurable value in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Our approach is built on five key pillars, each adapted to the European context:
By consolidating customer data from disparate sources into a single, actionable profile, we empower sales teams to deliver personalized experiences and anticipate customer needs. This unified view is essential for compliance with GDPR, ensuring that all customer data is managed transparently and securely.
We implement Salesforce Sales Cloud and AI-driven tools to automate routine tasks, streamline opportunity management, and provide actionable insights. This reduces non-selling activities, allowing sales teams to focus on high-value interactions. Custom reporting and dashboards enable accurate revenue forecasting and pipeline management, supporting the complex sales cycles typical in European manufacturing.
Our solutions provide customers and sales reps with real-time access to order status, inventory levels, and delivery updates. Self-service portals, built on Salesforce Experience Cloud, empower customers to place orders, track shipments, and manage their accounts independently—improving satisfaction and reducing support costs, even across multiple European markets.
We design composable, API-driven architectures that integrate Salesforce with ERP, supply chain, and third-party systems. This ensures data consistency, reduces manual effort, and supports future growth. Our expertise in headless and composable commerce enables rapid deployment and ongoing innovation, crucial for manufacturers with complex, multi-country operations.
Successful transformation requires more than technology. We support clients with change management programs, training, and ongoing support to drive adoption and maximize ROI. Our human-centered approach ensures that new solutions are embraced by employees and deliver real business impact.
Goodyear, one of the world’s top tire manufacturers, partnered with Publicis Sapient to modernize its front-office operations. The objectives were clear: implement a unified customer profile, deploy AI-powered tools to minimize non-selling activities, enable real-time order visibility, and establish a foundation for marketing and promotion delivery. The result was a seamless digital experience for customers and a more efficient, data-driven sales organization.
While Goodyear’s transformation was rooted in the U.S., the principles and methodologies applied are directly relevant to European manufacturers. The focus on unified data, automation, and integration with legacy systems mirrors the needs of European firms navigating GDPR, cross-border trade, and complex supply chains.
Publicis Sapient’s impact extends across Europe. For example, in Denmark, we partnered with Carlsberg to standardize and consolidate operations following a period of rapid growth through acquisitions. By implementing Salesforce B2B Commerce, Experience Cloud, and Salesforce Shield, Carlsberg was able to automate and streamline ordering processes, support innovation, and drive AI initiatives—all while ensuring compliance with European regulations and supporting multi-country operations.
Similarly, for a global provider of value-added services in agriculture, energy, and chemicals, we modernized the digital ecosystem by integrating Salesforce with AWS, EBS, and other third-party systems. This enabled real-time insights, empowered sales reps with mobile tools, and improved operational efficiency—demonstrating the power of tailored digital transformation in complex, regulated environments.
With over a decade of experience transforming manufacturing and industrial organizations, Publicis Sapient offers end-to-end solutions—from strategy and design to implementation and ongoing support. Our platinum-level Salesforce partnership and human-centered approach ensure measurable results: increased sales efficiency, higher customer satisfaction, and accelerated time-to-value.
European manufacturers ready to embrace digital transformation can rely on Publicis Sapient to navigate regulatory complexity, integrate legacy systems, and deliver superior B2B commerce experiences tailored to the region’s unique needs.
Contact us to learn how we can help your organization thrive in the digital era.