New digital platform for the Arbeiter Samariter Bund (ASB)

The association was founded in Berlin in 1888, at that time still under the name "Arbeiter-Samariter-Kolonne".

With over 40,000 employees, 1.3 million members and around 20,000 volunteers, ASB is one of the most important aid and welfare organizations in Germany. Such a structure requires a reliable digital platform that efficiently supports internal processes and ensures the provision of services to all those involved.

The internal employee portal and the ASB store are at the heart of the collaboration with +Pluswerk. The portal, which is based on TYPO3 and HumHub, was expanded to include important functions for communication, project coordination and information distribution. In addition, the existing store was migrated to the modern e-commerce platform Shopware 6 and comprehensively expanded - including personalization options, multi-channel sales and ERP connection.

Project overview

The collaboration between ASB and +Pluswerk began with the design of a new employee portal and an online store. Today, we provide ASB with comprehensive support for the TYPO3, Shopware and HumHub systems used.

The "SamaRITA" portal provides ASB employees and volunteers with a digital place for exchange, organization and knowledge management. The platform offers functions for distributing information, booking events and managing documents and projects.

Another central component is the new ASB store, which is based on Shopware 6. Employees, members and youth groups can use the store to conveniently order a wide range of items - from work clothing to advertising materials. Thanks to the ERP connection and single sign-on (SSO), all processes are seamlessly integrated and secured on a role-based basis.

Mockup showing the ASB online shop on desktop and mobile screens, featuring branded merchandise such as mugs, notepads, and promotional items available in the ASB fan shop — The new ASB Shop looks good on any screen.

API-based job integration with BITE

ASB uses the applicant management solution of its partner BITE to manage job vacancies. The individual ASB divisions enter their vacancies directly in BITE. In some cases, the application process is handled entirely via BITE. An API-based widget was developed to ensure the visibility of job vacancies on the websites of the regional associations and branches. This widget can be easily integrated by the respective organizational units into their existing websites.

The widget provides a powerful search and filter function so that users can search specifically for relevant jobs. On the pages of the regional associations, both their own vacancies and those of the associated organizational units are displayed. For optimum visibility in search engines, all job offers meet the requirements of the Google Jobs schema. Authorized users receive the widget, including detailed installation instructions, via a central download area.

The digital basics

TYPO3

The heart of the employee portal

TYPO3 serves as a flexible content platform for internal communications, documentation and training content. Editorial content can be easily maintained and published in a structured manner.

SSO

One login for all systems

Thanks to single sign-on integration, one login is all it takes to access the intranet, store and other systems. Rights management is based on a finely graduated role model.

HumHub

Social intranet from Europe

The HumHub open source platform forms the social infrastructure of the ASB intranet. It enables chat, group work, surveys and project coordination via team-oriented spaces.

One platform, three systems, clear responsibilities

The platform solution combines the TYPO3, HumHub and Shopware 6 systems, each of which is optimized for a specific area of application. TYPO3 handles the editorial administration, while HumHub provides space for collaborative teamwork and social communication.

Shopware 6 forms the foundation of the new ASB store with three target group-specific sales channels: a store for the Arbeiter-Samariter-Jugend, a publicly accessible fan store and an internal marketplace for work clothing and advertising materials.

All systems are intelligently linked via SSO, ERP interfaces and a powerful search function. This uniformity optimizes internal processes and enables targeted further development of the digital ecosystem.

Mockup showcasing the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) online shop displayed on multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and a desktop screen. The shop features products such as flyers, postcards, and first aid materials. — The ASB online store, which offers various printed products, goods and important resources for members and employees on a wide range of screen sizes.

Highlights of the new online store

🛒 Three sales channels
Different target groups are specifically addressed via dedicated sales channels: Youth, public and internal users.

🎨 Product individualization
An integrated designer allows print products such as flyers, posters and business cards to be personalized directly during the ordering process.

🔐 Role-based access management
Complex rights and role model for targeted control of product availability and information.

⚙️ Automation
Processes such as invoice addressing and payment processing are fully automated and ERP-supported.

We never thought that the relaunch of the ASB store would go so smoothly - but you've proved us wrong. Maybe we should entrust you with our fridge next time. You are the best!
Markus Fenske, Head of Department ASB Cologne

Well positioned for the future

The cooperation with ASB will be continued on an ongoing basis. We are currently working on improved indexing of editorial content and store products, which will be intelligently linked via a central search system.

The employee portal will also receive additional modules for event organization and content personalization. A planned expansion of HumHub will create even more opportunities for project-related collaboration and internal communication.