:quality(80):format(webp))
Digital platforms connect your business workflows.
Retailer portals, product configurators, customer portals and internal tools. pechschwarz® builds platforms that make complexity manageable and integrate seamlessly with your existing systems.
:quality(80):format(webp))
WHY PLATFORMS?
A website shows who you are. A platform works for you.
Many growing businesses reach a point where a traditional website is no longer sufficient. Retailers need their own portals, customers want to configure products themselves, internal teams need tools that integrate with the ERP system, and partners need access to assets and documents. Without a well-thought-out platform architecture, this results in isolated, siloed solutions that are expensive to maintain, inconsistent in appearance and create operational bottlenecks. pechschwarz® builds platforms that bring together UX, design and system architecture, rather than treating them as separate work packages.
Figures that matter
Platforms that pay off.
Manual processes
Average reduction following the platform launch.
The self-service rate
Average increase, on average.
The systems
Seamlessly integrated for each platform.
The rating
Average project rating.
What we offer
Platforms for the work behind your website.
:quality(80):format(webp))
Dealer portals
Give partners access to information, orders and documents through clear roles.
:quality(80):format(webp))
Configurators
Variants and rules guide users towards suitable products and clear enquiries.
:quality(80):format(webp))
Client portal
Customers find documents, status information and services in one place.
:quality(80):format(webp))
Dashboards
Internal tools make data and next steps visible.
:quality(80):format(webp))
Integration
PIM, ERP and other systems exchange relevant data through defined interfaces.
:quality(80):format(webp))
API development
Custom interfaces connect your platform to applications your teams already use.
CHECK POTENTIAL
Which of your processes are crying out for a platform?
Many companies underestimate just how many manual processes can be automated using a well-designed platform. In our free platform assessment, we analyse your current workflows and show you where a platform can have the greatest impact.
:quality(80):format(webp))
Awards for our work
German Design Award
German Brand Award
German Web Award
:quality(80):format(webp))
w3 Award
Deutscher Agenturpreis
Webstar Award
Grimme Online Award
:quality(80):format(webp))
:quality(80):format(webp))
:quality(80):format(webp))
:quality(80):format(webp))
Our process
From the initial requirements to a fully functional platform.
Discovery & Scoping
We analyse requirements, user groups, existing systems and integration needs. The outcome is a clear scope and a realistic roadmap.
Architecture & Concept
The technical architecture, data model and integration landscape are planned before the first line of code is written.
UX & UI Design
User-centred interfaces for every target group. Retailers, end customers and internal teams require different functionalities.
Development & Integration
Headless architecture, API development and system integration. Built using a modular approach so that the platform grows with you.
Testing & Launch
Systematic testing across all user roles, devices and integrations. A launch without any nasty surprises.
Operations & Further Development
Post-launch support, new features and performance optimisation. A platform is never finished; it continues to evolve.
Our strengths as a platform agency
UX before tech
Platforms rarely fail because of the code, but because of unclear user guidance. We consider strategy and UX before making any technical decisions.
Brand-integrated design
Platforms often look generic because they’re built by developers. With us, the design comes from the brand system, not the framework.
Integration as standard
PIM, ERP, CRM, payments, logistics. Seamless integration with existing systems is not a bonus, but a prerequisite.
Headless architecture
Front-end and back-end are decoupled. Maximum flexibility for any future development, without lock-in or migration headaches.
Built to be scalable
What is a function today may be a module tomorrow. We build our system so that your platform grows in line with your requirements.
Long-term platform partner
A platform doesn’t end with its launch. We’ll support you with ongoing development, new features and optimisation.
Other services
Related web design services
:quality(80):format(webp))
:quality(80):format(webp))
:quality(80):format(webp))
:quality(80):format(webp))
:quality(80):format(webp))
Project enquiry
Connect your business workflows.
- Free, personalised advice within <24 hours
- Non-binding quote
Our experts are raring to go
:quality(80):format(webp))
Insights on digital platforms
Use the arrow keys to browse. Home shows the beginning, End the last posts. Use Tab to select post links.
:quality(80):format(webp))
:quality(80):format(webp))
:quality(80):format(webp))
:quality(80):format(webp))
:quality(80):format(webp))
:quality(80):format(webp))
:quality(80):format(webp))
:quality(80):format(webp))
:quality(80):format(webp))
Clients via our platforms – Agency
»Wir haben lange nach einer Website Agentur gesucht, die nicht nur hübsche Seiten baut, sondern unser Business versteht. pechschwarz® war vom ersten Tag an der richtige Partner.«
»Was als Relaunch startete, ist eine echte Partnerschaft geworden. Neue Landingpages, Kampagnen, ständige Optimierungen. Das Team denkt mit, bevor wir fragen müssen. So stellen wir uns Zusammenarbeit vor.«
»pechschwarz hat abgeliefert. Unsere Anforderungen wurden sofort verstanden, die Kommunikation war immer transparent und das Ergebnis spricht für sich. Klare Empfehlung als Website Agentur«
Platforms in detail
Retailer portals
Dedicated portals for your sales partners, featuring product catalogues, ordering functions and customised access rights.
Product configurators
Interactive configurators that bring complex products to life and enable customers to order them, whilst remaining on-brand and seamlessly integrated.
Service and Customer Portals
Self-service sections for documents, invoices, support tickets and training materials.
Internal tools & dashboards
Bespoke interfaces for internal processes, from content management to reporting.
PIM & ERP Integration
Seamless integration with PIM, ERP, CRM and other systems. For consistent data and automated workflows.
API development
Custom APIs that enable your systems to communicate with one another. Scalable, maintainable, well-documented.
Questions on the subject of platforms
A digital platform is an application that goes beyond simply displaying content and provides functionality for various user groups. Examples include dealer portals, product configurators, customer portals and internal tools with system integration.
A website displays information. A platform enables interaction, processes and system integrations. Anyone who needs ordering processes, configurators, self-service or data integration is better off with a platform.
As soon as recurring processes are carried out manually, silos begin to form, or customers, partners and internal teams cannot be provided with information efficiently. Platforms are worthwhile when the level of complexity exceeds what a website can handle.
The costs depend heavily on the scope of functionality, the integrations and the scalability. Simple portals start in the low five-figure range, whilst complex enterprise platforms with multi-system integration are significantly higher. A detailed estimate can be provided following an initial discovery phase.
An API integration usually takes two to four weeks. A portal or configurator takes two to four months. Enterprise platforms with multi-system integration take four to eight months. The exact duration depends on the scope and complexity.
Headless architectures using React or Next.js on the front end, combined with headless CMS platforms such as Storyblok, Directus or Payload. On the back end, Node.js is frequently used, integrated with PIM, ERP or CRM systems via custom APIs.
Yes. PIM, ERP, CRM, payment providers, logistics systems and much more can be integrated. This usually requires an existing API. If one is not available, a bespoke integration can also be implemented via database connections or interface layers.
An architecture in which the front-end and back-end are technically decoupled from one another. The back-end provides data via APIs, whilst the front-end can be replaced or further developed as required without altering the back-end. This ensures flexibility and long-term maintainability.
A portal is usually a specific interface designed for a particular user group, such as retailers or customers. A platform brings together several portals, functions and integrations to form a complete digital ecosystem.
Plan your Platforms project.
:quality(80):format(webp))
:quality(80):format(webp))