Magento 2 implementations for manufacturers and distributors
Companies that come to us with a Magento 2 implementation inquiry typically have a similar experience: they started with a SaaS solution that performed well initially, but over time, it couldn't keep up with the scale of B2B sales. Per-client pricing isn't flexible, and any custom functionality is difficult or impossible to implement.
Magento 2 (Open Source) is a technology that can handle complex sales models—large product catalogs, multi-level price lists, ERP integration, and simultaneous support for B2B and B2C channels. At Cognize, we most often implement it for manufacturers and distributors in the SME sector, where these needs must be met on a daily basis.
Who is Magento 2 for and when is it not a good choice?
Before we get into the process and costs, a few words about when Magento 2 makes sense and when it doesn't.
Magento 2 works well in each of the following cases:
• The company conducts B2B sales with individual commercial conditions for contractors.
• The product catalog is large or complex – technical parameters are crucial when purchasing.
• Integration with the ERP system is necessary.
• The company simultaneously supports B2B and B2C channels with separate pricing logic and product range access.
• The platform is designed to grow with the business without being dependent on a single supplier.
Magento 2 is probably not the right choice when:
• The company's annual turnover is below PLN 10–20 million – in the vast majority of cases, the cost of implementation and maintenance will not be justified by the scale of the business.
• Sales are simple, the product catalog is small, and the platform requirements are standard – a SaaS solution is enough.
We'll be upfront about this during our initial discussions. If Magento 2 isn't a good fit for your situation, we'll tell you, rather than trying to fit the problem into our solution.
What happens after implementing Magento 2?
The launch of the platform does not end our collaboration. During implementation, we conduct training, provide documentation, and implement monitoring. After launch:
01
The client is in constant contact with the Consultant, who suggests next steps and supports decisions regarding the development of the platform.
02
We handle ongoing reports, new functionalities, and system maintenance.
03
For larger companies, we provide support in communicating the implementation to customers and within the organization – including verifying marketing plans for the new channel.
The Consultant Role – How Does It Differ from a Typical Project Manager?
Each implementation project at Cognize is led by a Consultant – a former eCommerce Manager with experience in operational B2B sales management. This isn't a typical PM who coordinates the schedule.
What exactly does a Consultant do?
Understands client-side processes
Identifies the required functionalities related to specific tasks and processes running at the client's site. Knows what the sales department needs and how to translate this into action within the system.
He brings experience from dozens of similar projects
Seeing recurring problems in the industry, he not only gathers requirements but suggests solutions before the client names them.
He used Magento himself as a user
He knows the system inside and out. He thinks about how to best implement the platform's requirements, not just whether it's possible.
Acts as an internal client
It verifies whether what was technically implemented corresponds to what the client's business actually expected. It closes the loop between requirement and delivery.
A consultant is assigned to a project from the technical meeting through the Pre-Implementation Analysis, implementation, and years of subsequent collaboration. The same person guides the client from start to finish.
Why is the role of a Consultant important in implementations?
This eliminates the main cause of failed implementations
A breakdown in communication between business requirements, specifications, and implementation. In a typical agency, the analyst disappears from the project after a few weeks, the PM implements what was agreed upon, and circumstances change. In our case, the consultant remains on the project full-time.
The biggest challenge of Magento 2 implementations – integration with ERP
Integration with an ERP system is the number one challenge of any B2B implementation. It's multifaceted: companies often lack a stable ERP partner, a lack of ready-made integrators is the norm, and each case differs in scope and complexity.
How do we solve this?
01
Before implementation, we conduct a dedicated analysis of the integration itself – this is a separate task that precisely defines what we replace, at what moments and how.
02
We work in a three-way relationship: Cognize, the client, and the ERP integration provider. This collaboration allows us to clearly define requirements and simplify the work of the ERP partner.
03
In very complex situations, we use the Intermediate Database – our own solution that buffers the data exchange between Magento and ERP, protecting the performance of the ERP system during high traffic.
Magento 2
Integration with ERP systems
We also integrate stores with applications such as Comarch ERP Optima, Comarch ERP XL, Subiekt GT, Subiekt Nexo, Symfonia, SAP ERP, and Streamsoft Prestiż. This allows us to automate processes related to orders, products, and customer service.
Learn moreMagento 2
Integration with PIM systems
Gain complete control over product information in your store. By integrating Magento with PIM systems like Akeneo, Pimcore, and Ergonode, you can centralize data management, accelerate catalog updates, and improve customer shopping experiences.
Learn moreMagento 2
Integration with OMS systems
We integrate our clients' stores with systems such as Baselinker and Apilo, ensuring visibility and automation of sales processes across all marketplaces.
Learn more
Have any questions?
Let's talk about cooperation.
Approximate cost of implementing Magento 2
The implementation cost is priced individually – it depends on the scope of the project, the number and complexity of integrations, and the required non-standard functionalities.
01
Choice of approach: implementation based on a ready-made solution for startup – Sellina – significantly reduces cost and time compared to a project built from scratch.
02
Number and complexity of ERP and PIM integrations.
03
Range of custom functionalities and UX/UI scope.
Implementation based on Sellina can be started from PLN 69.
This price covers the base version of the platform with advanced features to start with. Each integration or dedicated functionality beyond the standard offering is priced separately. We prepare a detailed quote after the Pre-Implementation Analysis, once we know the full scope of the project.
Inquiries
How does the request for quotation work?
We take responsibility for our clients' businesses.
Our approach and effective actions build partnerships that we mutually appreciate.
01
Contact and talk about the project
Contact us and explain your needs. We'll gather all your requirements and discuss your project together (in person or via video call).
02
Specification and planning
We'll work with you to develop project specifications during a workshop at your company. At the end of the meeting, we'll create documentation, a feature list, and a full project plan.
03
Offer and implementation
We will respond to your specifications and present our offer. We will begin the project with a kick-off meeting, during which we will introduce the experts from our dedicated team and present the work schedule.
Scoping process
and project budget (free of charge)
The result of the recognition process is:
01.
Knowledge of Cognize's experience in similar projects
02.
Knowledge of customer needs
03.
Knowledge of the project implementation process
04.
Preliminary project estimate
Pre-implementation analysis process
(about 4 weeks)
The result of the Pre-Implementation Analysis Process is a planned project – Pre-Implementation Analysis*,
which includes:
01.
Technical Specifications (text document)
02.
List of functionalities
03.
Project budget and schedule
*The prepared Pre-Implementation Analysis is the property of the Client and may be used to perform market research and collect offers.
What else can we do for your company?
Cognize B2B eCommerce Agency - What do we do?
We offer services aimed at increasing revenue, optimizing processes and improving profitability.
Investment
Implementation and maintenance
integrations
Technology
B2B consulting
Not sure what system you need yet?
Before you decide on a specific technology, it's worth exploring which solution truly fits your sales model. Our experienced B2B eCommerce Manager consultants help companies choose the right direction—without predetermined answers. If you feel it's a good time for a consultation, learn what such a collaboration looks like.
Experience
Experience in your industry
The electrical, heating, lighting, cosmetics, medical, motorcycle, automotive, FMCG, clothing, and sports industries are just some of the industries we have implemented. Ask about our experience in your industry.
What do our clients say about us?
Punctuality, flexibility, availability, professionalism (...)
In 2017, we began working with Cognize (KMK Group) on the BAST system. Since then, the project has been developed and managed with exemplary skill. Cognize's (KMK Group) work is characterized by timeliness, flexibility, availability, professionalism, and, most importantly, the ability to present complex programming solutions in an accessible format.
This cooperation has resulted in our development and stability.
This cooperation has resulted in our development and stability, and the form of business contacts based on mutual trust is increasingly rare today, yet extremely effective.
(…) we can now easily and effectively manage our product catalog (…)
Cognize provided us with two services: Digital Sales Transformation Consulting and PIM Implementation. They provided the necessary know-how and demonstrated methods for various business process integrations with PIM systems. Thanks to their expertise, we can now easily and effectively manage our product catalog while minimizing implementation costs.
They helped us understand our needs and proposed the best solution based on the analysis results.
Our collaboration with Cognize began with a consultation. At this stage, they helped us understand our needs and proposed the best solution based on the analysis results. Cognize then began implementing the final system. The project was conducted with a high level of communication, on time, and, most importantly, with the Cognize team's ongoing initiative.
Immediately after opening the new store, we saw an immediate increase in sales.
After launching the new online store, sales immediately increased. The Cognize team (formerly KMK Group) was able to manage the project independently, working with minimal involvement from the snowboard brand. Their independence and communication skills were also impressive.
(...) we recorded a dynamic increase in our company's turnover
(...) The e-commerce platform they created not only meets all our expectations but also provides enormous opportunities for future technological development. Thanks to the solid technical architecture and innovative features, we have seen dynamic growth in our company's turnover, which we attribute directly to the functionality of the new website. Excellent communication and high availability of the team ensured we could count on support at every stage of the project. (...)
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Magento 2 implementation
How much does Magento 2 implementation cost?
It all depends on the scope. An implementation based on our turnkey startup solution – Sellina – starts at approximately PLN 69,000. This price covers a basic platform with advanced B2B functionalities and the ability to expand as needed. Each dedicated ERP integration or custom feature is priced separately. A detailed cost estimate is prepared after the Pre-Implementation Analysis.
How long does implementation take?
The pre-sales stage (from initial contact to the decision to collaborate) typically takes 2–3 weeks. The Pre-Implementation Analysis takes approximately 6 weeks. The actual implementation time depends on the scope of integration and functionality – we determine this in the Pre-Implementation Analysis schedule.
Is Pre-Implementation Analysis mandatory?
Yes, we conduct such an analysis before every Magento 2 implementation. This step protects the client's budget: we define the scope, architecture, and integrations before we begin product development. The pre-implementation analysis is the client's property and can be used to gather quotes from other companies.
How do I know Magento 2 is the right choice for my business?
We don't assume it is. If your company's annual turnover is below PLN 10–20 million, Magento 2 won't make economic sense in the vast majority of cases – we'll tell you that straight. If you have a large product catalog, individual price lists for customers, and require integration with an ERP – it's worth assessing this together during a meeting.
Does Magento 2 support both B2B and B2C sales?
Yes—this is one of the most common scenarios we work with. One system, one admin panel, and separate pricing logic.
Is the Consultant assigned to the project at all times?
Yes – from the technical meeting, through the Pre-Implementation Analysis, implementation, and years of collaboration. There's no customer handover between sales and implementation. The same person who listened to your needs at the initial meeting is present during the testing and go-live stages of the project.
This isn't just a matter of convenience, it eliminates one of the main reasons for failed implementations: a breakdown in context between what was agreed upon and what was delivered.
What are the biggest technical risks of implementing Magento 2?
The three that most often complicate projects are:
• Integration with ERP. This is the most complex element. Companies often lack a ready-made ERP integrator, and the scope of data exchange is unclear. Therefore, we conduct a separate analysis before implementing the integration.
• Unclear scope. Requirements that grow over the course of a project are the most common source of delays and budget overruns. Pre-Implementation Analysis helps establish a clear scope before we begin working on the product.
• Client-side resource availability. Projects slow down when the client doesn't have the resources available to collaborate with our team at key stages. We emphasize this from the very beginning of our discussions.
What does the platform handover look like after launch?
Before go-live, we conduct training for the client's team, provide documentation, and implement monitoring. The consultant remains on the project permanently, handling ongoing operational questions and supporting decisions regarding further platform development.
What does cooperation look like after launch?
Launch doesn't end the collaboration. The consultant remains on the project as new needs arise, and we implement additional functionalities. We serve as a permanent advisory partner for larger companies, assisting in communicating the implementation to clients and within the organization.
Do you have an idea, a ready specification or a business need?
Write to us. We will contact you within 24 hours.