By Joris Polhaar, Sales Consultant
Switching to a new PIM system: how to approach it.
It is a familiar scenario: your PIM system was once the perfect fit. It kept things organised and helped you manage your product data effectively. Over time, however, custom code has piled up, scripts are running hidden under the bonnet, and the system is becoming increasingly sluggish. Updates have become high-risk operations.
Your colleagues have learned to live with the workarounds, but you are effectively working with a solution that hinders rather than supports you. The question then arises: is it finally time to switch?
Why switching becomes necessary.
A robust Product Information Management system is essential for growth. You use it as the central source of truth for your product data, but if that truth is outdated, incomplete, or poorly structured, you are missing opportunities and inviting risk.
Legacy PIM systems often lead to:
- Unnecessary manual work when you onboard suppliers.
- Errors in feeds to marketplaces and online stores.
- Slower time to market for new products or ranges.
- Limited integration possibilities with modern tools or AI solutions.
If your PIM no longer allows you to move quickly and accurately, it represents a strategic risk. It is not just an IT problem: it is a barrier to growth.
Why you stay put anyway.
You are not alone. Many organisations delay the switch. It is logical: moving to a new PIM system sounds like a long, risky, and expensive project. You do not want to get stuck in a painful migration or burden your team with another massive change.
However, there is good news: switching does not have to be complicated if you approach it correctly. Good product data starts before your PIM, and the same applies to your migration strategy.
The transition: easier than you think
At ConnectingTheDots, we have developed a migration service that helps you move on from your legacy PIM safely and quickly, whether you are currently using Inriver, Akeneo, KatanaPIM, Contentserv, Hybris, Stibo, or a custom built solution.
What can you expect?
- A quick scan of your current situation. We map out what works, where the friction lies, and where the opportunities are.
- A smart migration plan. Using our Import & Onboarding capabilities, we import and transform your existing data without manual work or data loss.
- A future proof PIM system. Modular, scalable, and fully aligned with your processes and channels.
- Reliable integrations. Connect to your online store, ERP, marketplaces, and DAM systems.
- Clear training and guidance. Ensuring your team can work effectively in the new system from day one.
Above all: no surprises!
What are the most important steps for a successful PIM migration?
The key steps include preparation and analysis, data inventory and cleansing, data migration, implementation and integration, and finally, training and adoption. Each phase is crucial for a seamless transition and for maximising the benefits of the new PIM system.
How can ConnectingTheDots help when switching to a new PIM system?
ConnectingTheDots provides a robust PIM platform and tools like Import & Onboarding that significantly simplify data inventory, cleansing, and migration. Additionally, ConnectingTheDots supports integrations that are essential for a harmonised exchange of product data between different systems.
What role does data quality play in a PIM migration?
Data quality is fundamental to the success of any PIM migration. Cleansing product data before the migration prevents the transfer of errors and inconsistencies. This results in a reliable source of truth in the new PIM system, which is essential for e-commerce and other downstream processes.
Should I consider AI features when choosing a new PIM system?
While not strictly necessary for the migration itself, AI features can provide significant added value. AI can assist with automatic classification, data enrichment, and generating product descriptions, increasing the long term operational efficiency of your PIM system through less manual work.
Why organisations choose us.
You do not just choose a new Product Information Management solution: you choose greater flexibility, lower risk, and a more efficient organisation. Our migration service is built on three promises:
- We align with your business. Not just your IT department.
- We provide clarity and ownership. You know exactly what is happening and maintain control over product data.
- We deliver results. No endless projects, just working solutions that let your product data flow.
Ready for a fresh start?
Want to know what a migration would mean for your specific situation? Start with our no obligation PIM migration scan.
In just one hour, you will get:
- Insight into your current bottlenecks.
- An initial roadmap toward modernisation.
- A clear picture of the impact, investment, and benefits.
Schedule your migration scan now
Alternatively, request a demo of our PIM platform and discover how to launch products faster.
More about switching your PIM system
In practice, migrating your PIM system ensures that product data becomes available faster and more consistently. By centralising your Product Information Management, you reduce the risk of errors and accelerate your time to market. A well considered approach to switching systems makes your organisation more scalable and ready for what comes next.