Three letters, one genius concept
PIM: Product Information Management
PIM, or Product Information Management, involves organizing all product information. In the digital age, product data is crucial for successful digitalization strategies. The goal of PIM is to create the perfect product data record, known as the golden record.
In the simplest sense, a PIM system is a software solution. Like other system solutions, it can be integrated into your existing IT infrastructure. At valantic, we see PIM systems as embedded in a more complex context: as strategic business software with a global orientation.
The core purpose of a PIM system is to help manage and provide media-neutral product data. And it does so at a central location within the company. In this way, redundancies can be avoided, and product information can be presented in a sustainable and transparent manner.
The motivation behind the creation and implementation of PIM systems is simple: The solution serves to map complex product structures to deal with the increasing complexity of product data and the relationships between them (e.g. up- and cross-selling possibilities). The driving factor is wanting to be able to provide the perfect product data set on all channels.
For an outstanding product experience, product data must be available at the various touchpoints. Regardless of whether it is e-commerce, print publications or general digital product data communication. After all, providing product data – sustainably, consistently and in the latest versions – has a direct impact on the customer experience and thus also on the success of your company.
Product data management by professionals What exactly can a PIM system do?
It’s important to understand that the focus is always on the product. The PIM system defines the single source of truth of the product data. But what exactly can a PIM system do, and how does it help implement a successful omnichannel strategy? In short:
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representation and modeling of multiple, complex, media-neutral and hierarchical data models
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mapping of various classification models (such as ECLASS, ETIM, ...)
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media asset management
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increase in data quality thanks to data quality tools
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central management and control of output channels
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provision of product data and data syndication
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translation management
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consistent maintenance and provision of corporate terminology
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multilingual and automated creation of print publications
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modeling and implementation of digital workflows
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onboarding of supplier data and other external product data
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portals for the provision of all product information
For companies and users Advantages and benefits of a PIM system
The usual benefits such as a reduction in costs or increased sales could be listed here. However, these are only the consequences of the actual benefits of a PIM system. The software solution provides flexibility in every respect. After all, many companies are faced with the challenge of having to “feed” output channels on an as-needed and ad hoc basis.
You probably are familiar with it: Customers request your product data in a certain format at short notice. Or you have to spontaneously create an individual customer flyer. This is usually the beginning of a tedious search for the desired product information and sometimes adventurous conversion into the appropriate format. PIM allows you to act efficiently – and valantic supports you in this by providing the PIM system. The benefits:
- fast, company-wide search of product information
- sustainable and efficient design of product data communication processes
- shorter time to market
- reduction of product returns thanks to an optimized product experience
- realization of multi- or omnichannel strategies
- improvement of the customer experience
- independence from key users
valantic sees the vision A bird's eye view of PIM
Anyone who analyzes and maps product data processes often finds that PIM can never be viewed in isolation. Rather, there are countless topics intersecting with product data and the associated processes. This is why it is so important to treat PIM with foresight and from a bird’s eye view, so to speak. This ensures that
- all systems harmoniously communicate with each other,
- processes are organized sustainably and across applications, and
- the single source of truth is clearly defined.
At valantic, we understand what makes first-rate product information – and how to achieve the desired outcomes with it.
First, we listen. Then the CX magic happens.
Just give us a call!
Do you want to find out what your PIM should be able to do? And whether a PIM system would be worthwhile for your company? We’d be happy to help and accompany you on this exciting journey – throughout all stages. Go ahead and give us a call!
