More and more companies see the value of efficient and easy-to-navigate e-commerce as a complement to other sales channels. This applies to both B2B and B2C companies. Although the sales process for the two is different, it's important that product information, images, links, and pricing information are correct – no matter who visits or where they come into contact with the product.
Without a unified system, tracking different product versions, available spare parts, products that are often bought together, and discounts for certain customers is almost impossible. That's why many digital retailers choose to invest in a PIM system. PIM stands for Product Information Management and is a must for modern e-commerce.
What is PIM and how does a PIM system work?
A PIM system methodically structures, presents, and visualizes your company's products in different digital environments. It also allows you to connect different systems to get an overview and control how information is presented.
READ MORE: Introduction to PIM – Product Information Management
Managing all your products in one place reduces the risk of duplication or things falling through the cracks. This enhances the customer experience, as you can easily control how information is presented while saving your business time and money in managing digital commerce.
A PIM system is more than just a digital product catalog – it's a way to take information management to the next level.
A good PIM system allows you to present your product range in various ways without making it feel like different businesses. Simply put, a user-friendly PIM system allows you to work dynamically and flexibly across all product categories, leveraging the strengths of your entire range.
Integration with PIM systems is at the heart of e-commerce
All your products are most likely in an ERP system. Meanwhile, the marketing department most likely works in a CMS, while the sales department manages discounts and contract prices in a CRM system.
When you update information in one system, it must also be updated in the others to ensure customers receive accurate details for making informed decisions.
By linking all systems to a PIM, you get a clear overview right away, and any changes are immediately distributed across all other systems. This way, you always have accurate, up-to-date information. You can easily ensure that your customers have the right information to make decisions at any time.
Wide product catalogs with many variants are easily managed
If you have a broad product catalog with multiple variants for each product, it can be difficult for customers to know if they are selecting the right product. In a digital product catalog, it becomes too overwhelming to present all the information for every product. However, with a PIM system, this process becomes not only possible, but also simple.
A PIM system allows you to show products that are most relevant to each specific customer. You can also add clear descriptions that make it easy to understand available customizations, spare parts, and complementary products.
READ MORE: Choosing the right PIM solution – what to consider
A user-friendly and efficient PIM system empowers your customers, giving them the confidence to manage their orders independently. They won’t need to contact customer service or the sales department to finalize their purchase. This also reduces the likelihood of returns and repurchases, as customers are more likely to buy the right products from the start
Another feature valued by both customers and sellers is product recommendations. You can showcase products that are frequently bought together, or suggest smart solutions from completely different product lines that may interest your customers. This increases both upselling and cross-selling, while also enhancing customer loyalty. In your PIM system, you can easily manage which products are displayed and which discounts are offered.
5 benefits of a PIM system
In summary, there are five major benefits of implementing a PIM system for your e-commerce:
- Easier management of product information without the risk of duplication or presenting incorrect information to customers.
- A more efficient workflow by allowing multiple processes to occur in parallel rather than sequentially.
- Enhanced product presentation, integrating text, image, and video to create a better buying experience.
- Improved structure and clarity in the presentation of the full product range, making it easier for the customer to search and filter for individual products.
- Clear presentation of products and product variants, minimizing the risk of incorrect purchases and reducing the need for customers to contact a salesperson to complete their purchase. Quite simply, a better shopping experience.
Want to know more about PIM systems and how they can help your business? Read more about Litium's PIM system for e-commerce or contact us directly and we will help you.
