How Stadtwerke Duisburg revolutionized e-commerce with ROCKETHOME

The collaboration between Stadtwerke Duisburg (SWDU) and ROCKETHOME began back in December 2023 with a clear vision: to take the municipal utility's e-commerce offering to a new level. Until then, the municipal utilities had sold their hardware products, such as balcony power plants etc., via simple online forms. Although this showed initial success, this approach reached its limits: The ordering processes were cumbersome, customer loyalty was low and internal processes were often manual and inefficient.

At the same time, the municipal utilities were already using platforms such as e-pilot for processing. However, they lacked a consolidated solution that would offer customers a user-friendly ordering experience while streamlining internal processes. The aim was to create a professional online store system that integrates both hardware and digital services.

Challenges: Customer friendliness meets efficiency

Stadtwerke Duisburg had clear goals that they wanted to achieve with ROCKETHOME:

1. Full-service solution: In addition to providing the store system, it was important to Stadtwerke that ROCKETHOME also provide fulfillment services such as warehousing, shipping and customer service.
2. Strengthen customer loyalty: Selling via forms made it difficult for customers to compare products directly or simply order them.
3. Expand product range: In addition to tariffs, the municipal utilities want to make their hardware and energy solutions more visible and tangible.
4. Increase efficiency: Internal processes, such as fulfillment, were previously handled manually by a single person - a bottleneck that had to be eliminated.

Implementation: From workshop to launch

The collaboration began with intensive workshops in which goals, challenges and solutions were defined. A detailed roadmap was developed together:‍

1. Design of the store system: ROCKETHOME developed an intuitive e-commerce system based on the requirements of the municipal utilities. This not only makes it easy to order balcony power plants, but also individual modules such as smart thermostats.
2. Integration into existing systems: The new store was seamlessly integrated into the Stadtwerke Duisburg website and linked to existing platforms such as "My SWDU".
3. Fulfillment as a full service: ROCKETHOME took over the entire warehousing, shipping and first-level customer support.
4. Workshops and training courses: Comprehensive training courses were held to prepare the municipal utilities in the best possible way for the operation of the store.

First successes: The store is live

The new store has been online since its launch in 2024 and offers customers a user-friendly platform for purchasing energy products. The highlights include:

• Extended target group approach: The store not only serves private customers, but also opens up new markets such as the housing industry.
• Improved user experience: customers can easily compare, configure and order products online.
• Efficient processes: The automation of ordering and billing processes has significantly streamlined the internal processes of the municipal utilities.

Next steps: Expansion and optimization

The partnership between Stadtwerke Duisburg and ROCKETHOME is only just beginning. The following measures are planned for the coming months:

1. Expansion of the product range: In addition to balcony power stations, further DIY products and smart energy solutions are to be added to the store.
2. Optimization of logistics: Detailed coordination between ROCKETHOME and the municipal utilities is intended to further improve fulfillment.
3. Marketing campaigns: Targeted promotions and campaigns are designed to further increase awareness of the store.

Conclusion: Strong together into the future

The cooperation between Stadtwerke Duisburg and ROCKETHOME shows how the combination of technology and strategic consulting can set new standards in the field of e-commerce. With the new platform, Stadtwerke Duisburg is ideally equipped to realize its vision as a full-service provider in the energy market.

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