The eCommerce sphere is continuously evolving, and so are the tools and strategies required for progress.

In any eCommerce company, a product information management (PIM) system is one of the key instruments.

Channeling their focus, eCommerce PIM have become invaluable for a business whilst managing its online product data.

PIMs allow companies to expand their offering and address their client’s needs and requirements more effectively.

This article serves as a how-to and PIM-based resource for eCommerce businesses.

We will also outline the functions you ought to seek when buying a PIM system eCommerce for your company.

To that end, we will equip you with the necessary knowledge and tools to make optimal judgments for your online business.

What is a PIM?

A Product Information Management or PIM system eCommerce is a software that is employed to organize and disseminate product information across multiple platforms.

The primary objective is to assist firms streamline and centralize relevant product information. Such information entails product specifications, imagery, together with prices. This information is collected from a wide array of sources and merged on a single system.

This implies that they assist businesses in establishing and updating product information in a standardized way.

Furthermore, it helps businesses to ensure that this information is easily accessible by their clients through different platforms. 

PIM systems have also helped organizations to control information regarding their products with ease.

Such systems have empowered them to update the information regarding a product together with marketing content quickly. 

Such a system is ideal for an entity that aims to improve product sales and advertisement effectiveness.

Key Components of Product Information Management

A strengthened PIM system eCommerce is built on multiple pillars which facilitate business operations and increase efficiency:

1. Central Data Control

A PIM is the single source for all product information, including descriptions, images and configuration details. All of these are consolidated and there are no external databases, which leads to increased uniformity across all channels.

2. Data Enrichment

Product data including detailed descriptions, good images and optimized metadata can enrich the data provided to customers and PIM enables this. This enrichment strengthens customer interaction and decision making.

3. Integration Capabilities

Interconnectivity with other software such as ERPs, CMS, and CRMs ensures that data flows from one system to another without disconnections. This streamlines processes and minimizes duplication.

4. Distribution on Multiple Channels

Data generated by a PIM system eCommerce can be utilized to sell products on eCommerce websites, marketplaces and print catalogs. This ensures that customers are able to access crucial information of a product no matter where they are looking to purchase it from.

5. Translation and Customization

PIM systems help companies with cross-border operations by offering the translation of product details as well as changing the currency of the offering.

Why is eCommerce PIM Needed?

Let’s start with defining the term PIM. So, what exactly does it stand for? 

Definitely, the first thing that comes to mind when speaking about PIM is product information management. Why PIM tends to be essential in today’s digital world:

  • It allows businesses to take control of the large amount of product data in a digital format.
  • It aids a business to keep its product details current.
  • It enables firms to develop computerized records of their product profiles.
  • It guarantees that product data are appropriately presented throughout many media.
  • PIM may assist organizations in minimizing costs related with taking manual data input.

And due to that fact, PIM is a tool that most organizations should use if they wish to improve on their management of product information.

eCommerce PIM Features

PIM system eCommerce has gained a lot of popularity with the intent to bring a product to the market as quickly as possible.

An eCommerce PIM allows for efficient management of product information, across multiple channels where it sells.

This means that PIM systems are able to gather and exchange information with many other systems.

Such integration ensures that all information is always accurate.

In this manner, PIM systems allow users to draw on information from a variety of sources, including suppliers, databases, and ERP systems, without having to export it manually. This is both more efficient and less error prone.

Multifaceted Deployment Options

Options to deploy and install the systems include in-house, in the cloud and as SaaS.

Each of these factors offers potential for tailoring a Pim system to suit the needs of the organization in a more focused and personal manner.

If high levels of security for sensitive data is an issue, then PIM systems allow for on-premise deployments. 

For quick deployments with low spending on set up costs, a firmer option is available in the form of other deployment options.

Bulk Editing Features:

PIM eCommerce systems enable users to bulk edit multiple products with ease.

This involves creating, tweaking , or muting product details.

In regards to editing information, multiple products can be edited at once, and explain information that is missing such as pictures and prices.

Automated Tasks

PIM eCommerce platforms can be connected to different piece of software.

These include workflows that cut down time consumption.

Some scenarios include case use where automated tasks handle the process of answering appeals for new product data.

They can also make sure new product information reaches the correct websites. Things like this make people working in offices waste less time on easy tasks without losing on the going tasks.

Support Cross-Border Commerce

This is a useful feature for merchants who deal in cross border sales of products.

Entrepreneurs can handle product specifications, currency variants, prices, and descriptions in all languages.

This feature also aids businesses who wish to market their products in foreign nations.

Benefits Of Using eCommerce PIM

Automation 

Automation forms the basis of a thriving eCommerce PIM system. 

Through automation, businesses are able to manage and support the massive amounts of product data that they ought to have virtually easily. 

Automation enables businesses to concentrate on other vital activities including the design of new products and growing the business’s clientele while the PIM system undertakes all the tasks related to the product data. 

This goes a long way in reducing human error and also saves time as changes in product information can be quickly done by the PIM system. 

Accurate Information 

Correct and accurate information is the key to effective operations for any business and with product information management system, all product details required are timely updated. 

As a result of the automation of the process, businesses are able to manage the product information updates so that the information is always up to date and also the most accurate for the customers. 

This way customers are able to create and build the trust in the business which also helps them be loyal to the business for a long time. 

Centralization 

Centralization is yet another important aspect of an eCommerce PIM system. As all of the product data has been pooled in one place, business owners can perform any searches for any information with speed and swiftness. 

This works well in reducing the time that it takes to look for and change the product information which in turn improves the efficiency of the business and the level of the customer’s satisfaction.

Scalability 

eCommerce PIM systems are built for scalability. For many businesses looking to grow or add new product lines, scalability is a key consideration. 

A PIM system enables businesses to effectively address their ever-increasing product information needs. 

As a result, organizations can swiftly and effortlessly incorporate fresh products into their offerings without the need to alter the product information manually. 

Multichannel Efficiency 

A major advantage of employing an eCommerce PIM solution is greater multichannel efficiency. 

Businesses may use eCommerce PIM to quickly and easily disseminate it across various channels, including their own websites, social media platforms, and print ads. 

This enables businesses to serve more customers and expand their customer base which helps in their omnichannel strategies and also boosts their sales and revenue growth.

eCommerce PIM Best Practices

1. Begin with Good and Clean Data

Indeed, the accuracy of such data is of utmost importance. Therefore, make an audit of the existing data and clean and prepare it for use, prior to integrating a PIM system.

2. Specify a Taxonomy Structure

Create an appropriate taxonomy of products and a hierarchy to go with it. This planning simplifies traceability and information retrievability.

3. Make Use of Automation Tools

Employ automation for data updates and data dissemination and other such monotonous tasks, cut down the chances of human error and hasten processes.

4. Undertake User Education/Training

Users must be trained properly so that they can make the most out of a PIM system. That will guarantee the right use of the system.

5. Analyze the Performance and Enhance the Outcome

Utilize the reporting functions of the PIM systems and constantly keep reviewing the data being captured by the system. And, make changes to rectify identified issues.

PIM eCommerce Mistakes to Avoid

1. Stakeholder Involvement Should Not Be Skipped

Stakeholder involvement during the selection and implementation of a PIM system makes it possible for the system to meet the organizational requirements and objectives.

2. Data Quality Should Not Be Ignored

Data is the core of any Pim System, if data is not taken care of then it will deteriorate customer satisfaction.

3.Assumptions About Integration Needs Should Not Be Underestimated

Not taking consideration on the adaption of the PIM system to existing tools can cause inefficient operations and excess expenses.

4. Scalability Should Not Be Overlooked

The PIM selected should be one that can develop alongside the business, a PIM that has low vertical scalability will impede on relating to future growth.

5. User Adoption Should Not Be Neglected

Even the best PIM system can underperform if there was no training or buy-in of the team in to the system.

Who Needs PIM?

Business organizations like retailers, distributors, manufacturers and wholesalers with expanded and multi-dimensional catalog often use a Product Information Management (PIM) which acts like a software system.

Such organizations need to keep the product data within a central domain, and such software systems allow users to do that and more. 

It facilitates seamless access to, edits on, and management of information related to products including images, useful videos, and related information.

Furthermore, these PIM system eCommerce grant businesses the capability to easily synchronize their product data over several channels, consisting of web pages, mobile applications, print media and more.

Conclusion

To conclude, in today’s age, where the online economy is thriving, eCommerce PIM is an all-in-one solution for any firm trying to expand their responsive towards their customer.

It enables streamlined and easy control over management of product information dissemination across numerous platforms, making it easier for businesses to assure good customer reach and supply them with enhanced shopping experience.

eCommerce PIM, is our specialty at HumCommerce, and we offer high-grade PIM integration solutions. So, don’t hesitate to contact us right away if you want a dependable company to assist you with PIM integration.

If you liked this article, you can also consider reading our case studies:

FAQs

1. Are there any business models which are impacted greatly by the use of a PIM system?

A wide array of businesses ranging from ecommerce sites, manufacturers to distributors, can make full use of a PIM system. Especially businesses that are quite active in numerous channels and require management of the product data.

2. What aspects of managing a business operation does a PIM System optimally impact?

A PIM system technologically is built with the aim of enhancing product data management, so data related tasks may be performed accurately by a range of employees as well as significantly cutting down on manual processes thus meeting already set time constraints.

3. Can a PIM handle international operations?

A PIM system is fit for international businesses where multicurrency and multilingual features are required to be used and most PIM’s have the desired features to meet currency conversions.

4. What are the parameters I should have in mind, while choosing a PIM system?

One should keep a close eye on integration, automation, scalability and multichannel support features while buying a PIM system, ensure to cater your business needs to hire the best features.

5. What are the major metrics used to track the effectiveness and functional return of a PIM system? 

Regularly tracked metrics include sales growth, an increase in customer satisfaction as well as improvements in data accuracy and reduced time to market, all of which are effective at tracking the systems effectiveness.