REACH Hackathon: How publishers are co-creating the next generation of subscription and logistics software
The demands on modern publishers are changing rapidly. New digital business models, rising customer expectations, hybrid distribution channels and the increasing use of artificial intelligence are presenting publishers with new challenges.
That's precisely why we're not simply developing another generation of software for subscription management and logistics with HAIBERG REACH. Our goal is a platform that sustainably simplifies publishers' day-to-day work whilst simultaneously creating the foundation for future developments.
To achieve this, we've deliberately moved away from the traditional development approach. Rather than gathering requirements internally and only seeking feedback later, we're involving our customers directly in product development. Because the best solutions emerge where technology meets practical experience.
What is HAIBERG REACH?
HAIBERG REACH is the new platform generation for subscription management, CRM, publishing logistics, single-copy sales, and data analysis with AI-powered reporting. The platform connects core reader market processes on a shared data foundation and supports publishers in working more efficiently, transparently and with future confidence.
The development of REACH is based on four central principles:
- API-First: Open interfaces for maximum flexibility and seamless integration of existing systems.
- Security by Design: Security and data protection as integral components of the platform architecture.
- AI with added value: Support where it simplifies processes and improves decisions.
- Developed together with publishers: Practical knowledge flows directly into product development.
The first REACH Hackathon in Braunschweig
On 1 July, the first HAIBERG REACH Hackathon took place in Braunschweig. The goal was deliberately straightforward: not to talk about the future, but to shape it together.
Representatives from publishers, reader market, sales, IT and other specialist departments worked together with our product and development teams on the next generation of REACH.
The focus was on real challenges from day-to-day publishing operations. Together, participants discussed how processes could be further automated, media breaks reduced and artificial intelligence meaningfully integrated.
The diverse perspectives led to new ideas, concrete solution approaches and valuable input for the platform's ongoing development.
Customers become part of the product team
A particularly valuable aspect of the hackathon was the direct collaboration between customers and developers. Requirements didn't need to be translated through multiple levels first, but could be discussed, questioned and developed directly.
Discussions generated new ideas. Challenges became concrete solution approaches. And customers became active co-creators of the next REACH generation.
Many of the concepts developed are already flowing into ongoing product development today.
Shark Tank instead of traditional workshops
A particular highlight of the day was the Shark Tank format. The teams developed their own solution approaches, presented their ideas and discussed them openly with all participants.
The focus wasn't on finished answers, but on different perspectives, concrete requirements and the question of how modern software can best support publishers in their daily work.
The results provide valuable input for the ongoing design and development of HAIBERG REACH.
What modern publishers really need today
The hackathon demonstrated that challenges differ from publisher to publisher. At the same time, there are requirements that virtually all publishers share.
- End-to-end processes instead of media breaks
- Open interfaces instead of siloed solutions
- High security standards
- AI where it creates genuine relief
- Greater transparency and better data availability
The development of HAIBERG REACH is based precisely on these requirements. The platform connects subscription management, CRM, logistics, single-copy sales and data analysis on a shared, future-proof architecture.
The beginning of a shared journey
The first REACH Hackathon wasn't a completed project, but the beginning of an ongoing dialogue with publishers and media companies.
The future of subscription management, CRM, publishing logistics and data analysis isn't created solely in development departments. It's created together with the people who manage these processes daily and actively develop them further.
That's why further REACH updates, workshops and co-creation formats will follow. We look forward to continuing this journey together with our customers and partners.
Let's start a conversation
Would you like to learn more about the development of HAIBERG REACH? Are you facing challenges in subscription management, reader market, CRM or publishing logistics?
Then talk to us about your requirements and objectives. Together, we'll show you how HAIBERG REACH can make your processes more efficient, transparent and future-proof.