As our world becomes increasingly digital, effective management of product information has become a critical factor for business success. Medium-sized companies, in particular, face the challenge of efficiently handling ever-growing volumes of data. Product Information Management (PIM) systems offer a central solution, unlocking new opportunities for increased efficiency, better customer engagement and sustainable growth.
Digitalization is advancing at a rapid pace. By 2025, global data volume is projected to grow from 33 zettabytes in 2018 to 180 zettabytes. Sectors like manufacturing, retail and finance generate enormous amounts of data, and this growth is matched by rising customer expectations: more channels, more personalized products, and faster access to information are now standard demands.
Without centralized systems, businesses quickly encounter limitations. Dispersed data silos, manual processes and inconsistent information lead to inefficiencies, errors, and ultimately, dissatisfied customers.
A PIM system is a central platform designed for the structured management and maintenance of product data. It allows businesses to efficiently distribute consistent, up-to-date product information across various output channels, such as e-commerce sites, print catalogs and marketplaces. PIM systems streamline data collection, refinement, and output, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
For example: Staples Canada reduced time-to-market for new products from 24 hours to just 15 minutes using Akeneo. Würth Electrical Wholesale manages 4 million products across seven languages with Pimcore. And Bofrost integrates 130,000 digital assets with product data in 16 languages.
The advantages of a PIM system are clear:
For customers, consistent product information directly translates into higher conversion rates (by 20-50%) and lower return rates, as over 60% of returns are caused by unclear or inaccurate product data.
Implementing a PIM system presents its own challenges, including:
A structured approach is key: begin with a thorough pre-selection of systems and a high-level definition of requirements. Demos, workshops and an agile project methodology with a clear MVP (Minimum Viable Product) can significantly enhance success.
Medium-sized businesses benefit most from starting with a clearly defined, smaller-scale implementation. Rather than migrating all data and integrating every channel at once, begin with a selected product group or sales channel. The MVP approach has many advantages:
Once the MVP is successfully implemented, the system can be expanded gradually to include more product data and output channels.
Choosing the right PIM system is crucial for long-term success. Helpful resources for system selection include:
Given the market's diversity in systems, it's wise to seek independent, agnostic advice that focuses solely on your company's unique needs. When evaluating systems, don't just consider licensing and implementation costs - include ongoing operational costs, support, maintenance and scalability in your TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) analysis.
The PIM market offers diverse technological solutions. Key decisions for your business include:
Given these differences, a precise requirements analysis is critical to finding a system that supports current needs while allowing for future growth.
PIM systems will become even more integrated into broader strategies, such as Information Supply Chain Management (ISCM). Emerging trends like the Digital Product Passport - which provides transparency about product origins, manufacturing processes and environmental impact - are gaining prominence.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) will also enhance PIM processes by
PIM systems are essential for digital transformation in SMEs, helping to manage complexity, meet customer expectations and future-proof the business. Starting small with an MVP and carefully considering technological options will set the foundation for long-term success in the digital era.