A PIM (Product Information Management) system is a central platform where you can collect, structure, maintain and distribute all of your company's product information – from technical specifications and product descriptions to images, translations and metadata. The purpose is to ensure high quality and consistency in your product data across channels, so that both internal teams and external users always work with up-to-date and correct information.

A PIM system can handle the entire product information lifecycle – from data collection from various sources to enrichment, approval and publishing in sales channels. In other words, you get one unified platform where all data is maintained in one place, but can be reused in many places. In addition, a modern PIM system typically supports workflows, access control, automation and data validation, which helps you save time and minimize the risk of errors.

A PIM system is not just reserved for large companies, as many people believe. Modern PIM solutions are widely available to small and medium-sized businesses, as they are often modular and scalable. This means you can start small and expand the system's functionality as your needs grow. For smaller businesses, PIM can be a crucial investment that streamlines internal workflows, improves customer experience and creates a solid foundation for digital growth – especially if you have ambitions to sell on multiple channels or expand into new markets.

Companies with many products, variants or complex assortments benefit particularly from a PIM system. This is especially true if product data needs to be handled in multiple languages, updated frequently or published across sales channels such as webshops, marketplaces, catalogues and physical stores. The more product information you work with and the more places it needs to be used, the more value a PIM system creates. This applies to both B2B and B2C companies.

A PIM system creates value by collecting and structuring product data in one place, which increases efficiency, reduces errors and ensures that product information is consistent across channels. This means that new products can be launched faster, campaigns can be rolled out with fewer resources and employees spend less time searching for information. At the same time, PIM provides a better foundation for data-driven business, better customer experiences and stronger competitiveness..

PIM supports omnichannel strategies by delivering consistent, accurate and up-to-date product information to all sales channels, such as webshops, physical stores, marketplaces, catalogues and B2B portals. When product data only needs to be maintained in one place, you can ensure a consistent customer experience regardless of channel. This reduces both time-to-market and the risk of errors, while customers perceive you as a professional and consistent player.

With a modern PIM system, you can publish product data to virtually all relevant channels. This applies to both digital channels such as webshops, marketplaces, mobile apps and social media, as well as offline channels such as printed catalogues or price lists. Many systems also support exporting data to retailers and partners in specific formats. In this way, PIM becomes a central platform that ensures that your data reaches the right formats, to the right channels, at the right time.

A PIM system typically integrates with ERP to retrieve basic product data, such as item number, price and inventory status, while sending enriched data to CMS, webshop and CRM. The integrations are often automated so that data flows without manual intermediaries. This ensures that product information is always up-to-date across systems and channels, and that you avoid duplication and inconsistency in your data base.

If you find that product data is handled manually, is spread across multiple systems, and takes a long time to maintain and publish information, it is a sign that PIM can create value. The same applies if you plan to scale, expand into new markets or want to streamline collaboration internally. A good place to start is a needs assessment with a PIM specialist, who can help assess your maturity and potential. 

The implementation of a PIM system starts with a thorough analysis of your data sources, needs and workflows. The system is then configured and integrations to, for example, ERP, webshop and CMS are established. Existing product data is imported and quality assured before employees are onboarded and trained to use the system. When everything is ready, the system is put into operation and followed up with support and optimization. A successful implementation requires both technical understanding and insight into your business processes. 

Yes, webshop integration is one of the most common use cases for a PIM system. Whether you use Magento, Shopify, WooCommerce or a custom solution, PIM can deliver enriched and consistent data to your product views. This means that changes to, for example, product descriptions, images or attributes are automatically reflected in the webshop, without you having to manually edit both systems..

We have developed PIMpilot, which is a cloud-based solution that can integrate your PIM system with your webshop. Read more about PIMpilot here.