b### 1. Knowledge is power
In times of increasing globalisation, knowledge represents a competitive advantage. Therefore, since e-business is part of the business strategy it should take into account all strategic corporate processes and the entire value chain. In the interaction of different departments such as marketing, product management and sales, not all participants always have the same knowledge. This is not a disadvantage if at least the sources of information are of the same quality for all. An example: the latest technical features of the market-ready product should not only be available to the engineers and product managers after release, but to all colleagues worldwide, whether production or marketing. This is the only way a company can act in a uniform manner.
2. Uniform data/data maintenance
The core of a successful e-business strategy is uniform data maintenance. This is possible in a Product Information Management system (PIM system), which controls the central management of product information across the entire value chain. In this way, companies retain control over all product information and maintain the uniformity of data even across national borders. Coordinated sales and marketing actions can be easily carried out through any number of channels and in any number of countries. A PIM system ensures the provision of consistent product information, both at all interfaces such as the internet or extranet and for all output media such as product flyers or catalogues. The focus of the data is on sales and marketing information and indicators such as article numbers, abbreviated designations, commercial characteristics, logistics data and production information.
3. Simplicity of use/usability
If data only needs to be maintained in one central system, there is no need to constantly switch between software applications. Isolated solutions within the software landscape are eliminated and the maintenance effort is considerably reduced. This is accompanied by time and cost savings. Users get quickly used to a system and the logic behind it and enjoy working with it. Even modern content management systems for publishing uniform data can be operated without programming knowledge.
4. Flexibility
Thanks to a uniform and consistent database and simple roll-out options, the marketing department at the headquarters of an international group can decide spontaneously, for example, to publish a catalogue in Romania at short notice, while a marketing campaign with a completely different focus is being run in Spain. The data can be delivered at the touch of a button at any time and from anywhere. Time-consuming release processes are no longer necessary. The same applies, for example, to the rollout of new product categories in online shops, which is of decisive importance in the fast-moving online market. For a long time, the transfer of product data from the merchandise management system was the only source for the online shop. But the demand for research has increased immensely and with it the desire for more intelligent search options such as attributes, values, areas or languages. Integration and linking with PIM systems is the logical consequence of the increased demands of today's users.
5. Internationalisation
A new branch or a new online shop in another country? No problem with a well-thought-out e-business strategy. All data is available and with a translation memory system it can also be translated into any number of languages and maintained multilingually. The use of these systems therefore enables seamless translation processes, shorter turnaround times, cost reductions and a uniformly high level of quality for all foreign-language documents. The adaptation of company and product-relevant information for all target markets is now an essential part of the value chain. Publishing operating instructions in any number of languages at the touch of a button - a dream for every product manager.
6. Secure technical background
The basis for a successful e-business strategy is the technical background and effective software systems. There are numerous software solutions on the market. A PIM system forms the basis and is ideally complemented by CMS and TMS as well as a DAM/MAM (Media Asset Management). It is important to note that standard solutions usually do not work here but must be individually tailored to the company.