Effective PIM: how to manage product information efficiently?

What is PIM? What should you know about it? How does it work and what benefits can it bring to your e-Commerce? Once you have how can you ensure the effective product information management and improve the overall situation of your company? These are the questions we have answered in this article. 

What does PIM mean?

PIM is a product information management system. It is both a business process and a technological process engineered to effectively manage, at the central database level, all information about products in the store’s assortment. This is a very useful solution, especially in the e-Commerce B2B and B2C segments. 

In practice, the PIMs are sets of implementation methods and application packages that can provide effective product information management. The PIM system integrates easily with all external IT systems. The system has a place to collect, manage and expand all information about available products. In addition, product information may be used for distribution in a variety of channels: advertising catalogs, websites, e-Commerce platforms, ERP systems, and other external sales networks.

Therefore, the PIM tools offer the possibility to create a central database for the joint administration of all product data. This simplifies the creation, maintenance and use of product descriptions across many different distribution channels. The agreement will allow advertisers to improve the quality of the data stored about the product. It will also speed up the management of the catalogs in which the assortment is presented. It improves the introduction of new products for sale in a faster time and in a much more attractive form for the customer. This leads directly to higher user satisfaction, improved conversion rates and the expansion of revenue to new channels. Overall a more effective PIM operations means higher profits. 

How does PIM work?

The operation of the PIM solution can be shown in a few simple steps.

Step 1: Collect information from various internal and external sources and collect them in a central database.

Step 2: Complete, classify and locate product information in PIM. This is thanks to the people responsible for the quality of the product data – their detailed descriptions and parameters. You can use business principles and data review procedures. At the sam time, you have access to user management tools, controling the process of data expansion and localization.

Step 3: Disseminate full data to various distribution channels, such as e-Commerce platforms, online and offline catalogs, chatbots, product outlets, market auctions, mobile applications, and other outlets.

What information can be managed in PIM?

A truly effective PIM system can manage various types of information. Especially to:

• Technical Information; specific product characteristics such as size, weight, composition, material, color, and other relevant parameters.
• Information about the user; the most important topics that interest the potential recipient, namely: detailed descriptions of products and product categories with ideas for their use, manuals and specific examples of how to use them.
• Emotional information; comprehensive product descriptions with storytelling that empathizes with imagination, with real-world customer stories, attached photos that allow users to see how the product is being used, and help build confidence in the business and build brand loyalty.

It should be noted, however, that the PIM system is designed to manage product descriptions: their specifications, and parameters. The transactions, stock and price data are not included. This tool is intended primarily for content marketing activities.

The benefits of effective PIM system

Not only does PIM undoubtedly improve the methods of product information management, it is also an excellent technological solution that ensures:

• Carrying out marketing activities in many different channels (omnichannel).

• Increase the conversion factor in your online store.

• Provides a faster time to market (TTM).

• It allows you a wider choice of products.

• It helps to master new markets.

• Facilitates the implementation of new technologies and the automation of activities.

• Reduces the number of returns.

• Provides a positive user experience.

Following research and analysis, the PIM system meets customer expectations for the quality of the data contained in commercial offers. Users want to have accurate and up-to-date information about the product. You want to look at photos with details. You can also see videos that show how the product is used. If you do not satisfy your need for information, there is a good chance that you will participate in your competition. But thanks to PIM, you do not have to worry. The system provides quick and easy capture of complete data that your recipients can access across all distribution channels.

In addition, the PIM system enables you to achieve a fast return on investment. It’s due to its high efficiency and cost reduction. Compared to more expensive information management solutions, PIM tools are much cheaper, and above all, you can easily measure the business value they receive. Clues are stats, including a higher conversion rate and a lower return on products compared to previous periods without using the tool.

What is your company gaining through the use of effective PIM?

The PIM system not only classifies product information. It also ensures its quality and rapid availability, but also improves the way the entire enterprise operates.

It is a great incentive for development. With Product Information Management, you can expand sales to international markets. Because you can easily create product information in many languages. In addition, you can easily scale your catalogs, edit information in real time, and distribute it across multiple channels. In addition, with PIM, you can personalize the information available to all users, regardless of their language or location. So you can create a positive shopping experience regardless of the culture of your customers.

PIM accelerates the market entry of your new products. Improve the introduction of a new range of products, seasonal collections or special events. Unlike methods for collecting product information in spreadsheets or other unmatched files that do not allow such efficient operation.

So if you care about the constant development of your business in the times of the dynamic heyday of the e-Commerce industry, you must be up to date. The PIM system offers you this opportunity to help you manage important information.

Which PIM system to choose? You can use the open source Pimcore platform. It is based on data management software as well as an enriching user experience. It combines many functions of product information management, product life cycle, digital data and content in the Internet. You can also opt for Akeneo PIM. It’s a solution that will offer you a friendly interface, pleasant and easy to work, tools for importing data, expanding and modifying it. The effective PIM system will also streamline your staff’s work related to your assortment.