Cummins Chile, the local subsidiary of the global leader in the manufacture of high-power diesel engines and power generation systems, needed to evolve its digital channel to meet the demands of a highly specialized market. In the heavy-duty transportation and industrial machinery, the availability and accuracy of the parts catalog are not secondary considerations: they determine the operational continuity of transportation fleets, specialized repair shops, construction companies, and mining operations, which lose thousands of dollars for every hour their assets are idle.
The online sales channel needed to evolve from a simple, static catalog into a robust, autonomous transactional platform. The main challenge was to digitize a product portfolio with highly complex technical specifications, ranging from Valvoline oils and Meritor transmission systems to Frasle tires and brakes. Each part must be precisely matched to a specific engine model, year, and application, eliminating any margin for error during the purchase process to avoid costly returns of heavy merchandise. To address this need and accelerate access to critical components, Known Online designed and implemented an omnichannel digital ecosystem on theVTEX platform. The primary goal was to integrate a smart technical catalog with an efficient physical distribution network, while also offering interest-free financing options and preventive maintenance services.
The challenge
Cummins’ main challenge was to build an specialized e-commerce that would allow its customers to purchase highly specific technical replacement parts with greater security and confidence. In a business where selecting the right component is critical, the shopping experience had to include detailed and useful information to prevent errors and reduce friction.
In addition to the complexity of the catalog, there was a strategic need to improve logistics availability. The challenge was not limited to selling online, but rather to creating an operation capable of facilitating access to critical replacement parts for each engine and piece of machinery, with coverage that could meet demand in different regions of the country.
The Solution
Known Online led the end-to-end development of an online store on the VTEX platform, designed to address the specific needs of the technical spare parts business. The solution included specialized features for highly complex products, integrating advanced information components that help users make more informed purchasing decisions.
At the same time, efforts were made to expand national logistics coverage and set up multiple in-store pickup locations strategically distributed throughout the country. This approach made it possible to combine a more robust digital experience with a more localized and efficient logistics operation for Cummins customers.
- Comprehensive online store development on VTEX.
- Implementation of information resources for specialized technical products.
- Optimizing the shopping experience for heavy equipment parts.
- Expansion of logistics coverage areas nationwide.
- Establishment of in-store pickup locations in various regions of the country.
The project focused on addressing both the commercial and operational aspects of the business, ensuring that the platform not only increased sales but also better met the needs of customers who rely on reduced access times to keep their operations running.
The results
Since implementing its new logistics infrastructure with nationwide in-store pickup, Cummins has experienced growth of more than 300% over the past year. This result has solidified its position as a leader in specialized e-commerce for heavy-duty vehicle parts.
In addition to business growth, the solution significantly improved access times to critical components for its industrial customers. In a market where every hour can impact operational continuity, this advancement represented a direct improvement in the value delivered to the business and its end users.
- Growth of more than 300% over the past year.
- Further consolidation as a leader in specialized e-commerce.
- Improved access to critical replacement parts for industrial customers.
- Strengthening national logistics coverage.
This case demonstrates that, in technical and highly critical industries , digital success depends not only on having an online store, but also on designing a solution capable of integrating the product catalog, shopping experience, and logistics with operational precision. When technology adapts to business logic, the impact is directly reflected in growth, efficiency, and service.
In this context, Known Online positions itself as a strategic partner for companies seeking to turn their e-commerce into a real competitive advantage, with the expertise to understand the demands of complex industries and translate them into concrete results. Contact us!
