Product Information Management is a relatively new concept, and thus, there are often many misconceptions we encounter when meeting companies. Hopefully, this blog can help dispel some of these and you may feel more comfortable about the idea of implementing a PIM system.
You need a large team to undergo a PIM project
PIM is a solution suitable for an organisation of any size. In fact, we have found it can be easier to work closely with a smaller team of project champions first even within larger companies, before rolling it out to the wider business. Smaller teams in particular benefit from the resources and time-savings that a PIM system provides.
At OneTimePIM, we have a methodology that suits any size of business. We provide as much help setting up the PIM, free training and ongoing support as required to onboard your business. This means you do not need to worry about team size and the resources available to implement the PIM system, as we can use our expertise to help you every step of the way for no extra cost.
You don’t need a PIM if you have an ERP system
This is simply not true. While it’s true there are some slight crossovers in the functionalities of each system, they are not replacements for each other. ERP systems are great tools, but they are not PIM systems. Essentially, the difference between PIM and ERP is that a PIM system is purely focused on product information management, digital asset management and technical specifications. An ERP system focuses on the management of transactional data that drives the company’s workflows and business processes. Having both systems integrated with each other ensures your business is being driven by powerful back-end support systems.
You need a lot of products for a PIM system to be worth it
Again, this is a very common PIM myth. Businesses believe that because they only have a smaller number of SKUs, PIM systems are not worth the financial investment. However, we find that companies with a smaller number of SKUs realise the time-savings in different ways. The data entry may not take as long on a ‘master’ level, but it is the effort of preparing the product data for different languages and marketplaces that are the pain points. Other similar companies, may have a comparatively small number of SKUs but a huge number of attributes to fill in for these products with detailed technical specifications and many formatted marketing descriptions, etc.
Despite not having that many SKUs, it is reassuring to know that once you change a piece of data it is automatically reflected on your website and datasheets. It is also incredibly useful to store all of your data in a single location and be able to change it for different channels (like the Spanish or French website). Having a PIM system and process in place also makes it far easier to expand if you do wish to eventually increase the number of SKUs your business offers.
PIM is a once-off project
The initial few weeks of onboarding and setting up your business on the PIM system is a once-off-time investment and requires a lot of resource commitment from both of our companies. However, the project is never truly finished. Your company must commit to maintaining and using the PIM to keep data clean and up-to-date. This is of course far easier than doing so without a PIM, by using Excel spreadsheets or a content management system. It is this long-term commitment that ensures your company truly realises the potential of PIM and reaps the rewards. PIM is not just a piece of software, but an entire attitude shift in the company which means employees will soon realise the benefits too.
PIM is only for an IT Department or Product Management Department
This is another common misconception about PIM systems. A PIM system has a huge range of benefits for nearly all departments involved with product data. For example, sales teams have easier access to up-to-date and accurate data. and marketing teams will find it easier to update descriptions, features, and media, etc. The increased productivity is realised company-wide and in fact, PIM systems improve the way in which departments work and interact together.
OneTimePIM is built for ease of use. People hear a software system and automatically think they need some sort of IT background but this is simply not the case. We also provide plenty of training and are always available for ongoing support, ensuring every one of your users maximises the potential the PIM has for their job role.
If you would like to learn more about how a PIM system could benefit your business, or about our unique methodology, feel free to get in touch below!
