The most important information about Product Information Management (PIM)
What is a PIM system, why does a good PIM system make life easier for everyone involved in e-commerce and what should you look out for when choosing the right PIM solution? You can find the most important answers about PIM systems here!
What does "PIM" mean?
The abbreviation PIM stands for Product Information Management. This refers to software for managing product information that is used in retail and also serves as an interface between different departments. The right system enables companies to manage product data efficiently and reliably.
Definition: What is a PIM system?
Product Information Management systems are digital e-commerce solutions that make it easier for retailers, manufacturers and suppliers to work with product information. PIM provides significant support in the maintenance, optimization and upkeep of this information. Complete and well-maintained product data forms the basis of a functioning store for e-commerce in particular and digital processes in marketing and sales in general.
PIM collects all the product information required for e-commerce and digital business processes. This information is made available to customers in order to turn their shopping experience into a product experience. An enhanced product experience not only improves customer satisfaction, but also reduces returns and complaints. This has a positive effect on the use of resources.
The PIM system manages product information for various departments such as marketing, purchasing and sales. The content is routed to the various output channels. With PIM, all information can be automatically adapted in connected systems. This is referred to as a "single source of truth", as a good PIM system brings together all relevant information and product data from the ERP system, DAM software, CRM systems and TMS tools. Find out more under PIM - Digital basis for e-commerce.
More details on Product Information Management (PIM)
How does a PIM system work?
Various types of product information are collected in a PIM system. This includes media, technical data, descriptions and other product information. They are initially available in a heterogeneous form. With a PIM system, they are transferred to a standardized, uniform format, the maintenance classification.
The source formats can be Excel files (csv and xsl) or similar. In most cases, there are also interfaces to other systems such as ERP systems. As long as they are subject to consistent classification and the product data is complete, they are suitable for a PIM. After configuration, enrichment, structuring and, for example, translation, the PIM system outputs the data in a standard format such as BMEcat. Our prorizon tool can also be used for the latter and to support your PIM system.
What do you need to introduce PIM software?
To introduce PIM software, the company's IT infrastructure must be analyzed and adapted to the new PIM solution in order to work optimally with other systems, such as ERP systems and content management systems (CMS). To ensure this, the interfaces are configured appropriately. This is part of Enterprise Architecture Management (EAM). It is also known as IT architecture.
For a product information management system to be fully effective, the required product data must be available in the appropriate completeness and quality. In some cases, this still requires manual maintenance. Once the customized, high-quality product information has been entered, the PIM system itself takes over the task of ensuring its quality.
Find out more about PIM implementation
Who needs a PIM system?
A product information management system is recommended for any company that has complex product information. However, companies with rapidly changing product data, such as in the fashion industry, or companies with a large amount of standardized data, often found in the construction industry, also need a PIM system.
What advantages does a PIM system offer?
There are often difficulties in managing and enriching product data and information. This can be due to decentralized maintenance of product information in the individual areas of the company. This often leads to duplicate information or incomplete information. In this case, product information management software offers you an optimal solution for managing product information for your omnichannel e-commerce.
All levels of the company are affected by the introduction of a new PIM system. A product information management system is much more than just software. Initially, the C-level is also affected by the introduction, but of course the IT department, e-commerce project managers, marketing teams and data governance are affected much more intensively. As PIM not only comprises a system, but also the collaboration of several departments and managers, it brings with it an optimization of internal processes in the area of product data. It therefore offers the opportunity to optimize workflows.
The clear advantages are
- shorter time-to-market
- faster integration of new products
- Optimization of processes.
Efficient product data management leads to better use of resources. PIM puts companies in a better position vis-à-vis the competition.
What PIM systems are available?
There are now a large number of PIM providers with very different focuses. If you look around online, you will come across an almost unmanageable number of websites that focus on the advantages of the various systems. However, choosing the right PIM system can be a challenge, as not all software perfectly meets the individual needs of companies in the e-commerce sector.
You can find a small selection of common PIM systems here
For example, if a company has a large amount of image data and videos, a DAM (digital asset management) system is a good choice; if master data is the main component, a master data management system comes into play. In order to find the right system, a detailed knowledge of the various products and an analysis of your needs are required in addition to an up-to-date market overview.
What is the difference between PIM and PXM?
PXM stands for Product Experience Management. While Product Information Management aims to optimize internal processes and thus also increase customer satisfaction, Product Experience Management goes beyond this and is directly dedicated to the customer experience. This is becoming increasingly important in times of omnichannel marketing. As a holistic system - an all-in-one solution, so to speak - it integrates the product information management system and other tools in order to achieve an individual customer experience and personal customer loyalty.
Which PIM solution is right for you?
Are you unsure which PIM solution is right for your company? No wonder: it's easy to lose track in the jungle of providers. That's why it's wise to get a competent partner at your side. forbeyond is your independent expert for modern e-commerce systems. We are very familiar with the advantages and strengths of each system.