What is PIM data?

Table of Contents

PIM data, in essence, encompasses the informational attributes vital for marketing and selling products through diverse channels. It resides within Product Information Management (PIM) software, facilitating the storage, enrichment, and dissemination of product information efficiently and scalably.

Core Product Data

At the heart of any PIM system lies core product data, traditionally sourced from an enterprise’s ERP system. This ensures coherence between foundational identifiers like Product ID Number, SKU, and the enriched data pivotal for online sales.

Logistical Data

Although logistics predominantly reside in a company’s ERP system, certain data proves crucial when incorporated into the PIM. This includes:

  • Packaging size and dimensions
  • Product weight
  • Shipping particulars
  • Pallet weight and dimensions
  • UPCs

Having this data in your PIM not only improves customer experience but also provides clarity for internal teams like warehousing, aiding in efficient product tracking across varied divisions.

Digital Assets and Website Attributes

Today’s digital ecosystem necessitates more than just textual content. Digital assets like images, videos, PDFs, and spec sheets, as well as other website attributes, play an intrinsic role in enriching the user experience. A robust PIM system often encompasses Digital Asset Management (DAM) capabilities, allowing for seamless organisation of these assets. This makes marketing and selling online more cohesive and streamlined.

Marketing, Sales, and Product Specifications

From detailed descriptions, SEO-aligned content, to product specifications like weight, size, and materials, a PIM system is the reservoir for all sales and marketing details. This data is what the end-user encounters, influencing their purchasing choices. It’s paramount that this data is accurate, clear, and rich to optimise product visibility and placement.

Variations, Families, and Channel Management

A PIM system meticulously organises relational product structures, such as variations and families. This structure not only delineates product relationships but extends to recommendations and personalised offerings. Moreover, PIM systems adeptly connect to various sales and marketing channels, allowing businesses to manage, organise, and customise product data per specific channel requirements.

What To Avoid In PIM

While PIM systems are versatile, certain data like inventory or pricing is best managed directly through ERP systems. Incorporating such data in PIM could lead to delays in its update across ecommerce platforms, potentially affecting sales.

PIM data has revolutionised the way businesses handle product information, enhancing scalability and ensuring accuracy. By understanding its components, businesses can optimise their marketing strategies, ensuring products are presented effectively and efficiently across all channels.