The centralised and media-neutral storage and maintenance of product data is the crucial foundation for omnichannel and e-commerce. ERP systems contain the master data for products. Additional data and information about products is stored in separate systems, namely PIM and DAM systems.
Choosing these systems is not easy. The market is very confusing. Product information management systems often include additional functions such as media asset management (DAM, DAMS) or marketing management (MMS). The distinction between the functions of the various systems is therefore often unclear. infolox can help you navigate this jungle. With everything you need. Recording your requirements. Manufacturer-neutral selection of the right system. Setup and customisation. Data transformation and data import. Interfaces to third-party systems. Data export and connection to publication systems. Maintenance and ongoing customisation. Everything from a single source. Everything from infolox. Get in touch with us!
Selected references in the field of PIM
- PIM system in use at Tintometer/Lovibond
- 15 years of PIM system and product communication at SICK AG
- PIM system as the basis for print and online product communication at Kampmann
- infolox unleashes PIM/MAM system at ARNO
Further information on the topic of PIM
- How to choose a PIM system?
- The right PIM selection and implementation
- What does PIM have to do with my marketing/commerce strategy?
- PIM systems and MAM systems as content turbochargers for B2B e-commerce!
- Overview of open source PIM systems!
- PIM and DAM versus PIM/DAM!
- What's new about PXM?
Why PIM?
Data, information and media relating to products are often not stored centrally in companies. This can lead to information loss, duplication and inconsistent data. It also results in a massive increase in costs for multiple maintenance, cleaning and translation. The PIM system solves these problems. The data, information and media are also stored in a uniform format. This means they can be processed automatically. For example, for websites, product catalogues in print or digital form, data sheets, price lists, POS materials, web apps, mobile apps, online shops and data exchange in e-commerce. And all this in a uniform format for all markets and languages.
In addition, the introduction of a modern PIM system increases the efficiency of collaboration between product development and marketing, as well as marketing and sales.
Differences and similarities between PIM and MDM
PIM systems enable product information to be created and maintained centrally and uniformly for marketing and sales purposes. And this is done before it is distributed across various media. PIM systems can also contain master data. However, this data must not differ from that in other systems. This occurs repeatedly when data is stored in multiple locations. MDM systems are one answer to this problem. They are used for the centralised management of master data. Unlike PIM systems, MDM systems do not only store product data. They store all master data, including data on employees, customers, suppliers and so on.
If there is no comprehensive MDM system, the PIM system also acts as the MDM system for product data. If an MDM system is available, the PIM system is configured so that there can be no discrepancies in the master data. The same applies to the interaction between PIM and ERP systems.
Selection and implementation of a PIM system
Choosing a PIM system is not easy. It must be able to accurately map your product portfolio. It must also contain all relevant information and media. Or integrate appropriate systems for storing additional content. For example, a media asset management system. It should contain all data in as much detail as possible. This is the only way to optimally serve the various media for output.
All information must be stored in such a way that it can be published automatically. For all languages and markets. The system must not only be able to store these complex data structures. They should also be easy to enter and maintain. High-performance export is required. Or a dynamic interface. The more data there is and the more frequently it is updated, the more important performance becomes.
For clothing, for example, a small amount of product data and media is usually sufficient. There are only a few variants. For technical goods, on the other hand, dozens of data items per product and just as many relationships to other products are required. There can be hundreds of variants. Equally important is the availability of user management and approval workflows. And interfaces to your third-party systems.
infolox works with you to determine which PIM system is right for you based on your specific requirements. We not only select the appropriate system, but also ensure that it actually meets your requirements at the end of the project. And after the project, we make sure that it stays that way.
That is why infolox not only offers several PIM systems, but also the corresponding consulting services:
- Strategic consulting
- System selection
- Data analysis
- Configuration
- Data import and maintenance
- Interfaces for publication
- Editorial guidelines
- Training and education
- Ongoing optimisation
- Change management
- Maintenance
Analysis of products and publications
Publications from the PIM system are automated. Therefore, individual implementations for individual products are not possible. This would require manual publication. Automation requires uniformity. The data for very different products must be recorded as uniformly as possible. And only as differently as absolutely necessary. This requires coordination across product groups.
Similarly, the product data must enable the desired publications. Media-neutral data storage is only 90% possible.
For optimal results, publications must also be taken into account. These can be prioritised, for example. Online can be given top priority. Print then has to make compromises. Or the channels are optimised one after the other. If necessary, PIM data must also be optimised.
infolox will work with you in workshops to determine which approach is best for you.
Change Management
Introducing a PIM system changes a lot of things. Data has to be maintained in a new system. Publications are now automatic. Working methods have to be changed. Responsibilities too. In large companies, coordination across departments is necessary. Often, each department had its own data management, publications and agency. Now there are central guidelines. And coordination with other departments. Not just in the initial project. Processes for coordination in the event of changes are also necessary.
All of this can lead to conflicts. Good change management is therefore crucial. Company management must be involved. It must fully support the introduction of PIM. The advantages must be communicated. The necessary effort must also be communicated. Concerns must be heard. Processes must be developed jointly. A capable project manager must be appointed. The resources of the project staff must be taken into account. A realistic schedule must be drawn up. Acceptance and active participation are the goals.
infolox will guide you successfully through this process.
