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Frequently asked questions about product information management

If you want to implement product information management in your company and are faced with your PIM project, many questions arise, some of which we will record and answer here. If you have more specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
  • What is a PIM system?
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    A product information management system is important software for the media-neutral management and optimization of marketing-relevant and technical product information. It enables target group-specific, channel-independent and consistent communication for sales and marketing from a central data source.
  • Why do I need a PIM system?
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    A PIM system enables easy management of product data according to the golden record principle and optimizes maintenance and publication processes for everyone involved. The flexible data management enables the quick compilation and consistent delivery of multichannel product data for a fast time to market.
  • What information is stored and managed in PIM systems?
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    In the PIM system, all relevant and required data for product communication is consolidated in a granular manner and managed in a media-neutral manner for multichannel requirements. Data are e.g. product images and documents, product descriptions, marketing texts, technical data and all their characteristics and required language versions.
  • How much information can be stored in a PIM system?
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    PIM systems are specialized in managing large amounts of product data effectively and efficiently. In principle, it is not the amount of information that is relevant, but the way in which the information, products, variations, characteristics and attributes were structured. An effective data structure is therefore crucial for subsequent system performance.
  • Where is the data stored in a PIM system?
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    All data is stored in mostly relational database systems on an application server on which the PIM platform is based. Read access memory databases or NoSQL databases are also possible. The PIM platform controls the access and user rights for all information in the database. Optimized business processes and channel extensions can then be built on this basis.
  • With which systems can a PIM system be connected?
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    A PIM system is usually connected to an ERP system and the ERP data from other connected sources is enriched with information for sales and marketing in the PIM system. Sources can be e.g. DAM systems or PLM systems. The refined, consolidated data can be used in other connected systems. This can be, for example, editorial systems, shop systems, marketplaces or catalog management systems.
  • How is a PIM system different from a PLM system?
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    A PIM system is a data hub for product communication after product development. A Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system integrates data generated throughout the entire product lifecycle. From development to recycling issues at the end of the product life cycle. Data from the PLM system can be relevant to product communication. Then it makes sense to connect a PLM system to the PIM system.
  • How does a PIM system differ from a PDM system?
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    In addition to the term product information management system and the acronym PIM system, there are a number of other synonyms that mean the same thing. Other synonyms for PIM are PDM for Product Data Management or PCM for Product Content Management.
  • How do I choose a PIM system?
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    PIM systems are similar in the main function of managing product information. There are differences in the range of functions, the feel, the development technology and the price. However, the decisive factor for the success of a PIM project is less the software than good processes, the quality of the data and emphatic change management. The PIM software is only a means to an end.
  • What distinguishes a PIM system from a DAM or MAM system?
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    DAM means Digital Asset Management and MAM means Media Asset Management. An asset is a structured file - for example a PDF, a video or a finished image. In contrast to a PIM system, the focus is on digital rights management, format conversions and asset management. A DAM or MAM can be seamlessly connected to a PIM system to supplement the product data managed in the PIM and the functions of the PIM system without having to provide them themselves.
  • What is the difference between PIM and MDM?
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    Product information management is a specialized discipline and often also the start of a later overarching master data management strategy of the company. While a PIM system is geared towards product information, an MDM system manages master data from all areas of the company.
  • What distinguishes a PIM system from a merchandise management or ERP system?
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    An enterprise resource planning system controls operational processes such as purchasing, warehousing, means of production or human resources. In contrast to the possibilities of a PIM system, product information in an ERP system is unsuitable for fast and extensive communication in sales and marketing channels in terms of its form, characteristics, quantity and the lack of media neutrality.
  • What distinguishes a PIM system from a CMS system?
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    In contrast to a PIM system, CMS systems are unsuitable for managing highly complex information and outputting it flexibly. A management of mass data of frequently changing, extensive product information from different origins would not be practicable. However, a CMS system can represent a channel that is supplied with information from a PIM system by connecting a PIM system to a CMS system.
  • What distinguishes a PIM system from an e-commerce system?
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    An e-commerce system is used to sell products and thus represents a sales and marketing channel. PIM system-specific functions for effortless product data management are not available. A PIM system, on the other hand, can supply several e-commerce systems with dedicated information and thus serve as a data hub between a leading ERP system and e-commerce and for central product data optimization.
  • What are the advantages of PIM systems?
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    PIM systems and a product information management strategy accelerate the time to market through process optimization and minimize the use of resources, costs and time. The data quality and target group relevance for consumers increases and results in more visibility, increased sales and minimized returns. Data governance and compliance aspects are supported and your own digital transformation is strengthened.
  • What is Product Information Management (PIM)?
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    Product information management is a corporate strategy for the centralized maintenance, organization, optimization and cross-channel delivery of current, consistent and target group-relevant product data for product communication and a discipline of master data management.
  • Why do companies need a Product Information Management strategy?
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    A PIM strategy is an important element of digital transformation. The growing number of divergent channels that market participants use to search, gather information and procure information require a contemporary organization of product information. A PIM strategy is essential to remain competitive in the face of increasing global competition.

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