Product Information Management: 22 PIM systems in comparison


Anyone who sells goods is usually not limited to one channel. Whether via the web store, social media or the retail store – Product Information Management systems help to manage the necessary product data centrally in one place and to display it appropriately for the respective channels. We have compared 22 of the so-called PIM systems with each other. You can download a summary of our market overview.

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Definition and functionality of a PIM system

The abbreviation PIM stands for Product Information Management. This comprises the management of all product data available in a company. A PIM system forms a consolidating interface to other systems that contain product data and product information. The main task of a PIM system: bundle product information and data about products and transfer them centrally to output channels. To do this, a PIM system takes care of data maintenance as well as ensuring and increasing data quality, translation management and output control. You can find out more about how a PIM system works in our knowledge article PIM. 

Omnichannel requires Product Information Management

The term omnichannel commerce is on everyone’s lips. Companies no longer limit themselves to one sales channel, but rely on a variety of sales channels to reach customers where they want to buy. This brings challenges, even if each channel may be successful or at least promising in its own right. After all, product information, images, descriptions, etc. must be individually tailored for each channel. Different image dimensions apply in the company’s own online store than on Amazon, and product texts must be designed differently on Instagram than in the printed catalog.

Manage data for all channels centrally

Compiling a separate information package for a product for each channel is certainly not a good solution, because it creates data silos that are difficult to keep up to date in their entirety.  The solution is Product Information Management software (PIM), which centrally manages all data for an article and makes it available to all sales channels individually. The PIM is used at the interface between the store software and the merchandise management system. PIM systems are an indispensable part of any company that has a certain product range and sells it through multiple channels.

What are the criteria for selecting PIM systems?

The analysis is based on more than 130 criteria, which we have assigned to 15 different categories. The categories present the various solutions in detail, examine the different competencies and offerings, and describe other relevant criteria.

  • General information: When selecting a suitable software, the following basic information serves to get to know the companies. How long has it been on the market? Are there several locations? Which references are named? Financial ratios were also asked as part of the market overview, which typically were not answered transparently by all participants.
  • Unique Selling Propositions: The unique selling proposition should sum up the service offering. We asked the providers to tell us what makes their solution special.
  • Providers’ industry expertise: Which provider already has experience in which industry or even considers itself an industry specialist?
  • The range of languages: For internationally oriented companies, the range of languages is important if centralized control is required and separate solutions do not have to be used for each country.
  • Basic features: There are very obvious features and questions that people associate with PIM software. We queried these with software providers. Is it a SaaS solution and can it be run on its own servers? Is the solution multishop capable and can I analyze the different sales channels?
  • SKU features: Product Information Management is all about the so-called Stock Keeping Unit, or SKU for short. In other words, a unique identifier for each product that is available in the inventory. What options do PIM solutions offer for handling SKUs? Can certificates be stored for each unit? Can unlimited images be associated with it?
  • Sales channels: The PIM manages the information for the retailer’s various sales channels. Which channels can each software solution cover, and where might providers see a focus?
  • Interfaces: Having your own professional and field-tested software stack can be critical to retail success. How can the PIM solutions be linked to other programs and tools? Therefore, the ability to interface with store systems, ERP solutions and translation management systems was queried.
  • Legal criteria: Anyone who installs software in the engine room of their company and entrusts it with existentially critical data also wants to know about legal issues. Is the company sufficiently armed against cybercrime? Is there an escrow agreement in place? And what does it actually look like in terms of DSVGO?
  • Additional services offered by providers: With the following information, we questioned the service scope of the providers. Are there additional events and training opportunities offered to customers? What is the response time in the event of a problem?
  • Providers’ pricing approach: New software – especially when deployed in such a central location – requires careful and deep integration. This is usually also associated with a more or less high budget. Companies interested in a PIM solution should also look at the quite different pricing models and check which providers are suitable for their own budget framework and ambitions.

Product Information Management Systems in comparison

We have compiled and compared 22 providers for you. The market overview is intended to provide you with a basis for making a possible selection. In addition, you can use the numerous criteria for your decision to determine which features of a solution are particularly important for your company.

4ALLPORTAL

The PIM system 4ALLPORTAL is the solution of 4ALLPORTAL Gmbh from Gütersloh (Germany). The PIM system has been sold since 2001 and is used by 100 customers according to the provider.

USP (according to their own statement): “The 4ALLPORTAL PIM system comes standard with an extensive DAM (cloud or on-premise). So you enrich not only master data with texts, variants and other product info, but also with valuable media such as images, videos and even 3D objects: Manage the Golden Record in 4ALLPORTAL. Use the RESTful API for easy connection to any third-party systems.”

References: CEWE, ProSieben, Bofrost, Bomag, Teapot, Shopware

ac.PIM

ac.PIM is the product information management solution of advanced concepts GmbH from Hattingen. The company says it currently employs 10 people and serves 45 customers with ac.PIM, which has been on the market since 1998.

References: VBH, Eder, Schlösser Armaturen, heinrichschulte, Gutmann

Akeneo PIM

The PIM solution Akeneo PIM provided by the company of the same name – on the market since 2013 – is currently used by 550 customers, as Akeneo states. The provider says it has 326 employees and is headquartered in Nantes, France, with a branch office in Düsseldorf, Germany.

USP (according to their own statement): “Usability, Best of Breed, Open Source, Flexibility, Performance, Future Proof, Market Leader: Akeneo is the easiest to use, most used and fastest evolving PIM in the world.”

References: Liqui Molly, Unilever, Canon, Shop Apotheke, Staples

Alterra PIM

With Alterra PIM, the Düsseldorf-based company Sepia GmbH & Co. KG has been providing companies with a PIM solution for more than ten years. According to the company, 500 companies use Alterra PIM, which is managed by 50 employees. The turnover from the provider amounted to 5 million Eruo in 2021.

USP (according to their own statement): “Alterra PIM is suitable for complex products, very customizable and easy to integrate.”

References: Segmüller, Wilkhahn, Team7, Famila, Messer

ANTEROS

ANTEROS is the name of the Product Information Management System of INCONY AG from Paderborn. The company has 68 employees and has been selling its PIM solution since 2000.

USP (according to their own statement): “47% faster than other providers, 35% better service than other providers, 35% higher degree of innovation than other providers”

References: Alfi, Fischer Elektronik, Hella, MC Bauchemie

Bluestone PIM

The Norwegian PIM provider Bluestone PIM has been selling its eponymous product since 2015 and is represented in Norway, as well as Sweden, Poland, Thailand, the USA and the Netherlands. With a revenue of 6 million euros in 2021, Bluestone PIM says it employs 100 people and has 75 customers.

USP (according to their own statement): “Organize and manage product information in an agile way with the first Microservices-based, API-first, Cloud-native, Headless SaaS PIM (MACH architecture).”

References: Wilhelmsen Ships Service, Starboard, Isola, Neumann, Colorline

crossbase

crossbase mediasolution GmbH has been offering the crossbase PIM system since 2011. In 2020, the provider reportedly made 5 million euros in sales. Headquartered in Böblingen, DE, crossbase employs 50 people and currently serves 60 customers with its PIM solution.

USP (according to their own statement): “Fully integrated solution with PIM, MAM, e-commerce (ERP connection, API server for data provision to store systems), e-catalogs (BMEcat, ECLASS, ETIM, Excel, BIM & Co.), print engine (InDesign) and media service portal. Flexibly customizable by the customer (data model, layout, data exports). Direct contact with contacts – during and after the project.”

References: Zimmer Group, FLEX-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH, Günther Spelsberg GmbH & Co. KG, Max Frank GmbH & Co. KG, Coltène/Whaledent AG

Crystallize

Crystallize is the PIM system of the same name from the vendor Crystallize, which has offices in Norway and the USA. According to the manufacturer, the solution is one of the most widely used in our comparison – with 4,000 customers. Crystallize currently employs 25 people. The solution has been on the market for 5 years.

USP (according to their own statement): “Super fast headless PIM for rich product storytelling.”

References: Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Electric, Puma, Aschehoug, Cappelen Damm

deltaPIM

deltashops GmbH & Co. KG has been offering its deltaPIM solution since 1997 and currently has 140 customers and 28 employees. The company is headquartered in Emsdetten. In 2020, the provider generated sales of 5 million euros.

USP (according to their own statement): “Individual solutions for interfaces and for the output channels of the PIM data.”

References: Schmitz Cargobull, CLAAS agricultural machinery, Velo de Ville, Schmitz-Werke

Dynamicweb PIM

Dynamicweb from Aarhus, Denmark, offers the Product Information Management System Dynamicweb PIM since 1999.

USP (according to their own statement): “The Dynamicweb PIM system is particularly attractive in combination with the Dynamicweb E-Commerce Suite. It is also possible to use the system standalone, but it is the seamless integration and having everything (CMS, PIM, e-commerce and marketing) in one solution that makes Dynamicweb stand out.”

References: Euronics, Europcar, Flying Tiger, Hummel, Mann + Hummel, bellissa HAAS

eggheads Suite

With the eggheads Suite, eggheads GmbH has been providing a PIM system since 1990. According to company information, the eggheads Suite is used by 100 customers. The company has 85 employees and is located in Bochum, Germany.

USP (according to their own statement): “We focus our product communication on the full development of product information. With the eggheads suite and the appropriate modules not only standard processes are covered in one tool, but the most important data core processes of different departments are configured at the same time. We support business requirements and adapt to changes.”

References: 1&1, Christ Jewelers, WILO SE, TUI, Steiff

Graph Designer - PIM/PDM

The semantic PDM GmbH & Co. KG offers the PIM system Graph Designer – PIM/PDM. Based in Heroldsberg/Nuremberg, the provider has 5 customers and 3 employees, according to its own information. The solution has been on the market since 2016. Last year, the provider generated 3 million euros in sales.

USP (according to their own statement): “Graph-based data management – extreme flexibility, transparency and performance.”

References: Murrelektronik GmbH, Artagis, Boorberg Verlag, Hanning

mdc.multikat

With the PIM system mdc.multikat from mdc.de – multichannel datamanagement consulting GmbH & Co. KG from Bremen, an enterprise PIM system has been available to companies since 1998. In 2020, the provider made a turnover of 2.5 million euros. It currently has 100 customers and 30 employees.

USP (according to their own statement): “Enterprise PIM, PLM, DAM, CMS, CRM, BI, customer journey, campaign management software. Can be combined with existing solutions as required. Extremely adaptable, self-configurable data models and workflows. Support of diverse standards and interfaces.”

References: FritzBerger, Fressnapf, Messe Frankfurt, Oehlbach, Schockemöhle

mediacockpit

Bertsch Innovation GmbH, based in Stuttgart, Germany, claims to have 1,000 customers for its mediacockpit PIM system. The provider, which has been supplying mediacockpit since 1996, employs 90 people.

USP (according to their own statement): “mediacockpit is a solution for product data and media content that is integrated from the ground up and enables companies to create a unique product content strategy in order to accompany their customers throughout the entire customer journey and create lasting loyalty.”

References: Ravensburger AG, Compo GmbH, Deichmann SE, Krones AG, Assa Abloy Sicherheitstechnik

Online Media Net

With a turnover of 8.75 million euros in 2021, 100 customers and 85 employees, apollon GmbH & Co. KG from Pforzheim presents the Product Information Management System Online Media Net. The solution has been available on the market since 2015.

USP (according to their own statement): “Maximum automation, cloud out of the box, best user experience – integrated system DAM/PIM/Workflow + AI.”

References: Porsche, IKEA, Westfalia, Hager, Ulla Popken, RUCK, Winkler

PIM-to-go

The PIM-to-go solution from MPdigital GmbH in Bochum has been around since 1998. Last year, the provider made 7 million euros in sales. According to company information, 30 customers use the solution. The company employs 20 people.

USP (according to their own statement): “Low costs, flexible scope, fastest onboarding, no project costs, ready to start immediately.”

References: Albrecht Jung, EIS Association, Pflitsch, Fipa, Krempel

Pimics

From Dresden comes the PIM solution Pimics from Allium (Deutschland) GmbH, which according to its own information currently has 40 employees and 55 customers. Pimics has been available since 1994.

USP (according to their own statement): “Microsoft certification. PIM with ERP as an integrated solution in Microsoft Dynamics – thanks to the Pimics module, all product data can be managed directly in ERP system.”

References: Bito AG, ZIEGLER Metallbearbeitung AG, Framo SA, Friedrich Niemann GmbH & Co. KG

PIMworks

The Indian company PIMworks has been offering its eponymous software for five years and employs 250 people. According to the company, 100 companies use PIMworks.

USP (according to their own statement): “We offer instant multichannel syndication”.

References: Benzara, Brame Speciality, Ace Hardware, GAP, Walmart

pirobase PIM

According to current information, pirobase imperia GmbH, based in Cologne, provides the PIM system pirobase PIM to 250 customers. The solution has been on the market since 1995. 80 employees are responsible for development and support.

USP (according to their own statement): “With pirobase, valid product data and emotional marketing content can be linked to effective product campaigns. Even in complex omnichannel campaigns, providers retain full control and gain more clout and speed for their product communication.”

References: STOCKMEIER, Melitta, Siemens Healthineers, Bosch, AXA, Dekabank

prodexa PIM

Since 2019, prodexa GmbH has been providing the PIM system of the same name, prodexa PIM, which is currently being used by 110 customers. The provider has 50 employees.

USP (according to their own statement): “Making simple things simple and complex things possible”.

References: ifm, Audi, Ratioparts, Indunorm, Neudorff, LR Health

Syndigo Active Content Engine

The US company Syndigo, headquartered in Chicago and with further branches in Europe, has been selling the Product Information Management System Syndigo Active Content Engine since 1987. The provider is the most widespread in our comparison – measured by customers – with 13,800 customers according to its own information. Syndigo has 1,000 employees.

USP (according to their own statement): “Syndigo’s Active Content Engine offers everything in just one holistic solution: PIM, MDM, DAM, Enhanced Content, Syndication, GDSN & Analytics.”

References: Beiersdorf, Ikea, Kingfisher, Carrefour, Tesa, Zooplus, Nespresso and many more

xmedia

The Product Information Management System xmedia comes from myview systems GmbH in Büren. The company currently employs 29 people and generated sales of 2.9 million euros in 2021. According to the provider, the solution is used by 100 customers. xmedia has been on the market for 11 years.

USP (according to their own statement): “High-quality integrations with specialized OEM components in the areas of MAM, TMS and print, 100% configurable standard in the PIM backend system, industry-specific value-added functions for the lighting and luminaire and SHK industries, “headless” (API first) PIM module for connecting e-commerce systems and developing own websites and APPs.”

References: RZB Rudolf Zimmermann, Bamberg GmbH, TRILUX GmbH & Co. KG, INOTEC Sicherheitstechnik GmbH, S + S Regeltechnik GmbH, SMA Solar Technology AG

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