OBO Bettermann is a global leader in electrical installation systems, operating in diverse markets with unique regulatory and cultural requirements.
Their digital transformation goal was ambitious: create a centralized platform for 38 websites in 28 languages that could deliver consistent brand experiences while empowering local subsidiaries to adapt content for their markets.
At the center of this transformation is Ibexa DXP, acting as the digital experience hub that connects systems, processes and people.
1. The Challenge:
Fragmented digital landscape
Before Ibexa, OBO relied on a siloed approach for their digital eco system. Each of the systems had clear limitations, and over time it became apparent that a new strategy had to be put in place. Not having well-connected systems for content, product data, and campaign management led to inefficiencies, and duplicated efforts, Subsidiaries often had to improvise, creating friction and slowing time-to-market.
Multi-language complexity
Managing 12 active languages (with plans for additional 16) required more than translation. It demanded localization. Technical content had to be accurate, legally compliant, and culturally relevant. Manual processes made this slow and error-prone.
Subsidiary autonomy vs. global governance
OBO needed to strike a balance: global campaigns and design standards had to remain consistent, while subsidiaries required flexibility to publish local news, job postings, and offers. Without a structured workflow, this balance was hard to maintain.
Integration demands
OBO’s ecosystem included Microsoft Dynamics CRM for forms and events, Woodwing DAM for asset management a custom PIM for product data, and the myOBO app for customer engagement. These systems needed to work seamlessly with the website, requiring a platform that could work as their digital hub.
"For our international B2B company, which operates 38 websites in 28 languages, the platform offers centralized, efficient management and a consistent user experience across all markets"
Christina Debatin
Teamlead Online Marketing, OBO Bettermann
Why Ibexa?
Ibexa delivers:
- Flexibility for complex multi-locale requirements
- Integration ready – Ibexa can adapt to the needs of the organization.
- Scalability for global expansion.
- Future-readiness with AI and taxonomy capabilities.
Ibexa: The Digital Experience core, expanded
The old CMS was unintuitive and as such it was important for the new system not to compromise user friendliness. Being able to have a flexible, yet intuitive system was key.
Intuitive, allowing editors to do their everyday work efficiently.
Flexible, because it needed to be at the heart of their digital operations, integrating with multiple systems and being future proof.
With these challenges in mind, Ibexa DXP became the central orchestrator of OBO’s digital ecosystem, delivering both intuitiveness and extensibility.
Here’s how:
Centralized Content Management
Ibexa provides a single source of truth for all content. Global teams manage core assets, while subsidiaries localize them using structured workflows and approval processes. This ensures brand consistency without sacrificing local relevance.
Traditional and headless on the web
For essential sections on the web, such as product pages, there are strict guidelines on how data and content should be presented. For these there are strict templates that pull product data from their PIM to ensure that only one source of truth exists.
For other pages, the Page Builder gives the editorial team exactly what they need to be self-driven. They are free to compose their own pages without having to wait for developers implementing smaller changes.
Multi-locale architecture
Ibexa’s multi-site and multi-locale capabilities allow OBO to run dozens of websites from one platform. Subsidiaries can adapt templates, add local content, and manage translations within a controlled environment.
Taxonomy-driven organization
Ibexa’s taxonomy system powers advanced filtering and navigation for OBO’s “Know-How” content. This makes technical documentation and product guides easy to find, improving user experience and SEO.
Cross-platform integration
Ibexa integrates with CRM, DAM, and custom portals via APIs and single sign-on. For example, product data flows from source systems into Ibexa, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information across all touchpoints.
Scalable architecture for AI
With Ibexa at the core, OBO can implement AI-powered translation and intelligent search without re-engineering the platform as part of their next steps.
Richer – self service functionality - Portal Enhancements
For logged in users the OBO website features self-service portal services that integrates with the myOBO application. Functionality such as creating your own projects with associated projects is available and can be stored, shared with whole-salers and even downloaded for offline use.
Key Results
SEO success
After migrating to Ibexa, OBO saw measurable improvements in organic visibility. Structured content and taxonomy-driven navigation aligned perfectly with SEO best practices.
Enhanced user experience
Subsidiaries will be able to create market-relevant content without compromising global standards. Customers benefit from localized experiences that feel authentic yet consistent.
Global scalability
OBO is ready to roll out 38 websites in 28 languages, supported by a platform that can grow with their business.
What’s next for OBO?
Rolling out new sites powered by Ibexa DXP
OBO Bettermann will continue to roll out the rest of their regional websites in 2026, making sure they can reach the full potential of their digital strategy.
AI-Assisted Translation
Automating translation workflows while maintaining human review for technical and legal accuracy is under evaluation.
Intelligent Search
AI-powered taxonomy search will make content discovery faster and more intuitive.
Evolved self-service
There are next steps planned for 2026 to further improve the self-service capabilities with a personalized dashboard aimed at deepening customer engagement.
Conclusion
By placing Ibexa at the center of its digital ecosystem, OBO Bettermann has transformed its global digital strategy. The platform acts as the foundation for innovation, enabling OBO to deliver consistent, localized, and intelligent digital experiences worldwide.
Key Implementation Focus Areas leveraging Ibexa DXP:
| Ibexa DXP and its role | Functional Role for the OBO Bettermann platform | Business Impact |
| Experience | Powers the front-end user experience and supports the full customer journey | OBO Bettermann has a digital platform that is ready to adapt to their requirements, with advanced multi-site requirements. |
| Commerce | Ibexa DXP is used as the central point for all customers to log in and do their necessary sales interactions | Customer portal where they can do projects and build product lists. |
| Ibexa integration | Integrates with custom 3rd party applications such as their own MyOBO | Customers have easy access via Ibexa DXP to the data in the myOBO app. |
| Architecture and Infrastucture | Scaled to handle both centralized and local initiatives. Multi site with multi lingual set up. | OBO can easily centralize important parts of the websites yet offer flexible local day - to day initiatives |
Key takeaways
One, unified structure
All structured content is handled by Ibexa DXP , blending the results from the 3rd party systems including myOBO.
Faster publishing, less manual work
Editors have easy access to their own self-service operations.
Smarter workflows
Parts of the content is centralized, but editors can also individualize content per market.
Built to grow
A single platform which is ready to expand to handle the requirements of new customers.
AI technology was used as a supportive tool to assist with [drafting/brainstorming/summarization], while all final content was reviewed/refined by the Ibexa marketing team.






