Product information should always be up-to-date and adapted to the various sales channels. However, the data is often stored in different databases. This complicates almost all processes involving product data. A PIM system enables central management – and also offers other advantages. But selecting PIM software and implementing it is challenging. In our whitepaper, we have therefore compiled a guide for selecting PIM software for you.
In online stores, on websites, marketplaces and even on social media channels: product information plays a role for (e-commerce) companies and customers everywhere. However, the management of data involves a lot of effort – even when data management systems are already in use. The problem is that many systems do not mesh, and product information is managed and played out separately by different systems. This quickly leads to a lack of overview. In the worst case, the data quality for product data suffers. And ultimately, customer satisfaction suffers as well – both in B2C and B2B. After all, customers want the right, up-to-date product information across all sales channels.
In this context, PIM systems are becoming enormously important for the management of product data. However, companies are quickly faced with the challenge of finding the right software and then implementing it. We have therefore summarized the most important key points on the subject of PIM for you in a white paper. You can download the whitepaper “Product Information Management – Guide to PIM Software” for free.
Download the whitepaper “Product Information Management – Guide to PIM Software”.
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In our whitepaper you will learn:
- what PIM systems are and what goals are pursued with PIM systems
- what features and functions a PIM system has or should have
- why you should rather rely on a PIM system than on DAM and MAM systems
- for which tasks PIM systems are used in practice
- the advantages of PIM systems
- what solutions are available for PIM software and
- what you should look out for when selecting and implementing PIM software
Why should it be a PIM system?
Definition PIM
Want to learn a little more about PIM? Then read our basic article on PIM systems.
In many companies, data is already managed by other systems such as data asset management or media asset management systems. This applies to both product data and information that is not related to products. DAM and MAM manage information either in a much more universal way or in a much more specific way than product information management.
For example, while DAM systems simply manage all data that exists in a company – regardless of product reference – MAM systems manage only media files. That is, images, videos and audio tracks. And they do this even without a concrete reference to a product.
However, it is a challenge for companies to manage product data in such a way that it is centrally prepared for various marketing and sales channels. DAM and MAM cannot provide this focus because, on the one hand, the product reference is missing and, on the other hand, not all data formats that play a role in product information are taken into account. PIM systems compensate for these two weaknesses. They offer marketing, sales and also merchandise management a focused management tool for all relevant product information.
Areas of application for PIM throughout the company
Data about a product or several products is relevant for daily tasks in various departments. Whether in merchandise management, marketing or sales. The tasks that a PIM system takes on are correspondingly diverse. Although these are of an operational nature, they also influence strategies in (e-)commerce. This applies, for example, to the adaptation of assortment strategies. In addition, a PIM system assumes functions for documenting product information. PIM software is also used to create electronic catalogs for merchandise management or product catalogs in print and online versions for customers. Last but not least, the PIM system is responsible for the distribution of relevant product data to various sales channels and thus supports content provision.
PIM benefits from greater efficiency to optimized customer experience
For companies, implementing a Product Information Management solution offers a variety of benefits. Probably the most obvious is the increase in process efficiency. Here, a PIM system makes it possible to relieve employees in various departments of the burden of data maintenance. In addition, the time-to-market can be significantly shortened. Furthermore, the centrality of the system also helps to sustainably improve data quality. PIM thus also enables multichannel and omnichannel strategies in (e-)commerce to be raised to a new level through consistent, up-to-date and channel-specific information. Product descriptions can be optimized, and products can be better presented to customers overall. On the one hand, this helps to reduce return rates. On the other hand, it also increases the customer experience and thus customer loyalty. PIM provides an optimal database that brand managers can use in content management.
Selection and implementation of PIM software takes time
There are a large number of PIM software providers on the market. Which PIM solution is the right one for a company depends on several factors. As a rule, enterprise PIM solutions are without alternative, as they cover indispensable functions that are often not included in open source software. Those who want to manage the existing product information in the company via a PIM solution should not only be guided by functions when making their selection.
Usability and the needs of employees also play a role. And the existing system landscape. Input systems such as ERP, CMS and CRM must be able to be integrated seamlessly into the product information management system. And output channels must also be integrated smoothly. Only then can a PIM system effectively manage data on products. The selection and implementation of PIM solutions therefore takes time above all. A realistic timeframe for the initial project phase for PIM systems is around one year.
Find out what else you should look out for when selecting and implementing PIM software in our whitepaper.
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