As digitalization increases the pressure on product information, selecting the right PIM system becomes critical for many product-driven B2B companies. With the right solution, you can streamline internal processes, improve the customer experience, and scale faster into new markets. But how do you choose the right PIM?
This guide is designed to help mid-sized to large B2B companies, for example in the manufacturing industry, evaluate and select a PIM system that meets both today’s and tomorrow’s requirements.
1. Map your needs and goals
Before looking at systems, assess your organization’s actual needs:
- How many products, variants, and languages do you manage?
- Which channels do you need to publish to (e-commerce, resellers, catalogs, etc.)?
- Which roles within the company work with product information?
- What does your digital roadmap look like for the next 2–5 years?
Example: A manufacturing company with thousands of items, spare parts, and technical certificates often needs more attributes, relationships, and language versions than a reseller. That will impact your choice of PIM solution.
👉 Not sure if your company even needs a PIM system? Read our previous article: Why B2B Companies Need a PIM
2. Key features to prioritize in a PIM system
Here’s a checklist of essential features:
- Support for variants and product relationships (e.g., accessories, spare parts)
- Multilingual management and translation support
- Version control and workflows
- APIs and ready-made integrations to ERP and e-commerce
- Media management (images, documents, certificates)
- Data quality tools, validations, and AI-based enrichment
3. What sets different PIM vendors apart?
Not all PIM systems are created equal. Key differences to look for:
- Industry focus – some excel in manufacturing, others in retail. Check customer references.
- User-friendliness – how intuitive is the interface? Is it easy to use daily?
- Bundled or stand-alone? Is the PIM included in an e-commerce platform, or will you need to integrate separate systems?
- Architecture support – does it support headless, cloud-native environments, etc.?
- Partner network & customization – can it be tailored to your specific needs?
- Ecosystem fit – which external systems can it connect to? It’s not about having the most integrations, but the right ones – the tools you use or plan to use.
4.What does a typical procurement process look like?
To choose the right PIM:
- Conduct an internal needs assessment
- Create a requirements specification – consider working with a partner
- Invite multiple vendors for demos
- Evaluate together with IT, product managers, and marketing
5. What if the e-commerce platform has a built-in PIM?
Many modern e-commerce platforms, such as Litium, come with an integrated PIM as standard. This offers advantages such as:
- Deep integration with product flow, campaigns, and publishing
- Less need for customizations or third-party integrations
- Shared admin interface and user experience
However, always assess whether the built-in PIM meets your specific requirements. For example:
- Does it support all your product attributes, relationships, and languages?
- Can it handle reseller networks or print outputs?
- Can it integrate with your ERP and other internal systems?
6. Which PIM systems are popular among B2B companies in 2025?
There are several well-established PIM solutions on the market – both standalone systems and those integrated with e-commerce platforms. What matters isn’t which one is biggest, but which one fits your needs best. Don't pay for features you do not need.
Note: No single solution fits everyone – your choice should be based on your company’s structure, goals, and resources.
Litium PIM is purpose-built for product-driven B2B companies, supporting complex product structures, fast time-to-market, and seamless omnichannel capabilities.
Want to learn more? Reach out to schedule a personalized demo or workshop. Get in touch at curious@litium.com.
FAQ: Common questions about choosing a PIM system
How do I know it’s time to invest in a PIM?
If you manage product data in spreadsheets, struggle with errors, or want to publish to multiple channels faster – it’s time.
What’s the best PIM system in 2025?
There’s no one-size-fits-all “best” solution – but Litium, inRiver, and Akeneo are examples of the most used in the Nordics. The best choice depends on your needs, integrations, industry – and budget.
What should manufacturing companies pay extra attention to?
Support for product variants, relationships (e.g., spare parts), technical specs, translations, and CAD integrations are often key for manufacturers.
How long does it take to implement a PIM?
Typically 2–6 months depending on complexity, internal resources, and system integrations.
Do I need to replace my ERP to get a PIM?
No – a PIM complements your ERP. They work best together: your ERP handles orders and inventory, while your PIM manages the rich product data that drives sales. Read more: Do I need a PIM or is my ERP enough?