8 reasons to choose a PIM system.

Many organisations still work with fragmented Excel files or systems that do not communicate effectively. This leads to errors, duplicate data entry, and delays. A PIM system brings everything together in one central source of truth.

The immediate benefits of a PIM system include:

• Copywriters can work faster because they see the correct fields and examples immediately.
• New products are launched online more quickly.
• Repetitive manual tasks decrease as processes are automated.
• Product information becomes more consistent and reliable for the customer.

In short: a PIM system gives you more Control over product data, increases speed, and raises overall quality.

We have all experienced it: you order a product, and upon delivery, it is different from what you expected. This is often due to poor or incomplete product information. For a business, this results in customer frustration and the additional costs associated with returns.

A PIM system helps prevent this. It automatically checks whether information is complete: from dimensions and colours to technical specifications and instructions. Errors or empty fields become visible, allowing you to correct them before a product goes live.

The outcome is clear: customers know exactly what they are buying. This leads to fewer returns and more satisfied customers.

Reducing returns has another advantage: it makes your business more sustainable. Every return involves transport, packaging material, and often waste. By providing better product information via a PIM system, you lower all of these factors.

Additionally, a PIM system allows you to easily add information about origin, materials, and recycling options. More and more customers want to know this before making a purchase. This transparency shows that you are operating a responsible and sustainable business.

Working smarter and faster with a PIM system

Without a PIM system, significant time is lost on manual work. Retyping data, fixing errors, or adding new product attributes can be a never ending task. With a PIM system, you can largely automate these processes.

Supplier data is imported automatically. New fields, such as sustainability certificates or technical features, are easy to add. This frees up your employees' time for higher value work, such as writing engaging copy or developing campaigns.

A PIM system does not just make your processes faster: it makes the work more rewarding for your team.

A strong example is ANWB. Known primarily for roadside assistance, they also sell an extensive range of products, from cycling apparel to camping gear and travel accessories.

Because the assortment is so broad, keeping all product information complete and consistent was a challenge. Suppliers provided data in various formats, and manual processing was incredibly time consuming. This often meant products took too long to go online, and sometimes information was inaccurate.

By implementing a PIM system, ANWB gained full control. Supplier data is now centrally imported and validated. Product attributes such as sizes, colours, and technical details are always complete and uniform. As a result, ANWB can launch new products faster and significantly improve data quality.

For the customer, this means products are easier to find, information is more reliable, and the risk of a mispurchase is reduced. For ANWB, it means fewer returns, lower costs, and higher customer satisfaction.

A step-by-step guide to starting with PIM

You want to get started with a PIM system, but where do you begin? It can seem like a daunting project, but with a smart approach, it does not have to be overwhelming. The secret is to start small and build incrementally.

The first step is to define your goals. What do you really want to achieve? Perhaps you want to reduce returns, Launch products faster, or increase conversion rates. Choose a few clear objectives to provide direction and measure your progress.

Next, look at your data sources. Where does the information come from now? Suppliers often provide Excel files, your ERP system contains basic data, and you might use a DAM or various folders for images. Map out your sources and the channels the data needs to reach: online stores, marketplaces, and perhaps even print catalogues. This gives you visibility into the current journey of your product information.

Then, start small with a pilot. Choose one product category or brand. For example, your best selling products or the category with the most errors. This allows you to achieve quick results and see if your approach works.

Based on the pilot, you can choose the solution that fits best. What functionality is required? Consider integrations with existing systems, the number of users, Workflows & AI, validation rules, and translations. Having this clear upfront ensures a better selection process.

Once the solution is in place, you design your Data Model & Structure. This essentially means defining which fields and attributes are always required. For clothing, this might be sizes and materials; for electronics, it could be connections and energy consumption. A solid data model ensures consistency across your entire range.

Then, look at processes and roles. Who provides the data? Who enriches it or writes the copy? And who validates it before it goes live? Defining these roles ensures everyone knows their responsibilities. The PIM system supports this through workflows, ensuring no task is overlooked.

When the structure is ready, you can set up integrations and perform the first migration. Crucial tip: start small. It is better to import 1,000 products perfectly than 10,000 poorly. This maintains control and prevents errors from multiplying.

Finally, it is time to test, train, and go live. Let your colleagues practice in the system, use real product data, and check the accuracy. Once that is successful, you can go live with your first product group.

Lastly: measure and improve. After a few weeks, check if you are closer to your goals. Have returns decreased? Are products online faster? Is conversion rising? If so, you can gradually expand the PIM system to the rest of your assortment.

This approach allows you to make a solid start within three months without changing everything at once. Start small, learn, improve, and then scale: that is the key to a successful implementation.

What is the most important benefit of a PIM system?

The primary benefit is the centralisation and improvement of product data quality, leading to fewer errors, higher efficiency, and a better customer experience across all sales channels.

Is a PIM system only for large companies?

No. While large companies with complex portfolios benefit greatly, mid-sized companies with growth ambitions and a need for efficient product data management also see significant benefits from a PIM system.

Can a PIM system integrate with other systems?

Yes, a professional PIM platform is designed to integrate with various other systems such as ERPs, online stores, and marketing automation tools to ensure a seamless product data flow.

A PIM system requires investment and organisational change. However, the return often outweighs the cost. Businesses that deploy a PIM system notice:

• Lower operational costs through Less manual work.
• Increased revenue as customers buy more frequently and with more confidence.
• Fewer errors and customer complaints.
• A competitive advantage by getting better data to market faster.

Product information is not a side issue: it is a critical factor in your business success. With a PIM system, you ensure that information is always complete, reliable, and engaging.

This results in satisfied customers, lower costs, higher revenue, and a more sustainable organisation. Whether you are a large organisation like ANWB or a growing online retailer, improving product information via a PIM system leads to better business results.

More about PIM system benefits

In practice, PIM system benefits demonstrate how product data becomes available faster and more consistently. By prioritising PIM system benefits, you reduce the risk of errors and accelerate your time-to-market. A considered approach to PIM system benefits makes your organisation more scalable and futureproof. At ConnectingTheDots, we help you step-by-step with PIM system benefits, from strategy to implementation. If you want to learn more about PIM system benefits, plan a consultation today. This ensures that PIM system benefits become a strategic accelerator rather than just a technology choice. Our customers see that PIM system benefits contribute directly to better product information and higher conversion.

How does a PIM system help with time-to-market?

A PIM system automates the collection, enrichment, and distribution of product information, allowing new products to be launched and made available for sale much faster.