PIM Implementation Guide: How to Implement a PIM System?
A Product Information Management (PIM) Implementation is designed to serve as a one-stop destination for product information gathering, controlling, and enrichment. It is also used a lot for producing the product catalog and distributing the content to eCommerce and sales channels.
PIM implementation is useful and can help in managing content for various sales & marketing channels and e-commerce businesses. PIM system can be implemented according to the company’s needs and the available budget. It definitely offers the most useful and highly remarkable benefits when implemented successfully.
This article briefs about how to implement a PIM system along with the methodologies and the challenges you may face during PIM implementation in detail.
PIM Implementation Plan
Running a business based on customer requirements and maintaining the products according to the business needs is a challenging task. The consumer-driven world requires useful and systematic information to be presented while dealing with consumers.
PIM offers the best product management technologies, and it can help in managing a single repository having product details. Product Information Management (PIM) helps in managing the products by looking after the various processes of collecting the data, analyzing the data, integrating the data related to the products, and lastly publishing the data system that helps the customers.
PIM implementation plan can be defined as the roadmap for the business verticals and the industrial sector. The entire plan can be defined in the following set of steps. Let’s find out how to implement PIM.
Steps to Successfully Implement a PIM System are discussed below
Step 1: Designing PIM
In this step, the meetings with customers and the customers will have higher priority. It can have a session for interviews with stakeholders and practical workshops that create interest in the minds of customers. The functionality of the workshops is to identify the flow of data that helps the system to work successfully. The important aspects of data collection, data identification, and data integration can be the effective processes of PIM implementation having an impact on the entire working processes.
Step 2: Data Modeling
Well, in this step the gathered data or information undergoes an analyzing process. This will help business leaders to manage product information and to define it according to PIM’s requirements.
The data and its attributes can be defined in a structured format and should be designed to have higher consistency. The products should be designed as per customer requirements and the language localization should also be decided. The data model can be a definite structure of the data and it can be useful in managing and presenting the product information as per PIM.
Step 3: Configuration Process
The PIM migration can be managed using the configuration process. The data can be imported into the system of the product information platform using manual or automated processes. The data format should make use of the best available layer for transportation. It can be the most suitable format for the migration. The transportation should be planned as per the organizational needs. The entire PIM procedure can be defined as per the required configuration defined.
Step 4: PIM Integration
The PIM integration is a part of PIM implementation challenges. The product information gets related to different systems by the ways of synchronization. At this step, the data structure gets perfectly formatted by integrating the data. The consistency and accuracy of the data get enhanced and it can be used for testing the PIM system and to use if to start experimenting with pilot projects.
The useful tips and training should be given to the admin and also to the users. The integration of the data from various sources should be managed while implementing every process that has a huge influence on organizational outcomes and individual involvement in the project.
Step 5: PIM Solutions Work as per the Defined Output
The training for the admin and the users make it more effective while using the implemented PIM system. Every touch point should be addressed as per the sales requirements. It can have a huge impact on the market and e-commerce websites, all types of consumer requirements should be studied and it helps in managing customer requirements from basic to advanced levels. Every sales channel should have a separate transportation method and the format of the data.
The set of Steps to Successfully Implement a PIM System tells us about how to implement product information management while managing the data in a much-defined format to have excellent results.
PIM Implementation Methodology – A Brief Analysis
PIM implementation methodology is useful after successful and scalable implementation. Let’s discuss more implementation methodology in detail. Implementation methodology is a process that offers all-around service, works in an iterative form, and can make use of scrum methodology. PIM implementation can be useful for all types of businesses and can be useful for different frameworks and methodologies.
Let us find out the number of steps that allow PIM implementation in a procedural format using our successive procedure.
Planning
The planning of the implementation process is done jointly by our experts and the team of clients. The process of planning can include the scheduling of various processes, milestones, dates, and dependencies, along with the assignment of team members.
We can take the help of Google Drive Collaboration for creating space for the project and giving access to all other team members.
Environment Setup
We provide the most suitable environment to implement PIM as per the project. The inter-server connectivity, along with email connectivity and code deployment, can be easily associated.
It can also deal with managing source control and backup along with other requirements. You can also test the associated setup and production in an environment. It can keep track of the changing database code configuration along with the ERP production environment.
Requirement Gathering
With the help of clients’ cooperation, we will conduct workshops. This specific team having brand values can be considered a part of the specifications of the plant’s projects. Product demos can also become a part of the gathering and analysis to meet the requirements of the project.
It can also work with the PIM software and its capabilities. Our experts can create useful documents in the form of data model definitions, integration specifications, and UAT test cases.
Solution Design
We can define product and digital asset data structures along with reference data. Also deal with inbound and outbound system interfaces, validations, transformations, and business rules.
It can also manage work rules, data mapping, and customization formats that are required for project reference. Our team of professionals allows the transformation of the product data and digital assets into the PIM system.
Solution Build
We can configure and customize various aspects to customize and develop a PIM solution for the clients. It develops the required interfaces that are useful in getting the product contained and can be utilized in the PIM system. We can also make use of reusable data migration samples, which are part of digital assets and can be used in PIM implementation.
Our PIM experts work in association with clients and their control teams. It can help and manage to overcome the impact of changes taking place in the PIM system and also its integrations. The conference room pilots (CRPs) can also be part of the configuration solution.
QA and End-to-End Testing
We can easily collaborate with the technical team members and with the clients. It also performs testing from end to end while considering performance testing along with functional and integration aspects. It can also make use of tracking tools that can help manage the resolution process and prompt triaging.
Data Conversion
We can also prepare and microwave the data set along with reference data and digital assets as a part of the PIM server. It can also analyze and report data issues while enhancing consistency.
Offered Training
Our team of PIM experts will offer training to the project members and to anyone who uses effective PIM implementation.
Hypercare
Our PIM implementation strategy can always provide the necessary support to the end users. It will help in managing user training and also allow various procedures to clean up the data and fix bugs.
This set of processes will be part of the PIM implementation methodology. And these processes worked effectively while managing product information maintenance for business purposes.
Why Should You Consider Implementing A PIM System?
Business people with an expectation to extend their product-based start-up business online must prefer and use the PIM software to maintain their product information. The main reasons to implement a product information management system are to increase sales, ensure rapid success in the go-to-market, and personalization and localization.
You may be a beginner in Product Information Management implementation and wish to know and keep up-to-date with the favorable things for users of this system. You can prefer and use the first-class PIM system to achieve your goal regarding business development. You will get exceptional benefits from successfully using the PIM system.
Individuals who have chosen the PIM system can quickly make their goods accessible and readily available to customers. They maximize sales and alleviate the difficulties for their management. They ensure that this system lets their team maximize sales within a short period.
The most modern PIM lets users’ worldwide teams for building focused product experiences exclusive to several languages, channels, and locations. You can get different benefits from these localization and personalization elements related to the PIM.
This is worthwhile to use the PIM system and shape the reach as well as the sale of all categories of products as per the consumer interests as well as attitudes.
How to Implement PIM System: Steps To Follow For Implementing a PIM System
Proper implementation of the Pim system in the organization gives an array of favorable things. You have to spend enough time and research how to implement a product information management system. Do not forget that you require a PIM for your business and use every option to implement this system as per requirements.
1. Focus on the Outcome
You must know the basics of the project before dealing with what categories of data go where. You must define the PIM strategy goals at first and make certain what target you like to achieve through the PIM system implementation.
Your personnel may struggle to access a single source of truth for the overall product information in your business or you may wish to enhance the data quality through the process of validating product information against current data standards.
You can implement a PIM system in such a situation and fulfill the requirements of customers who demand you publish product information to a data pool.
You have to concentrate on the desired outcome from the PIM system implementation and set a target for yourself before doing anything. You can use the professional method to scope the project and follow suggestions to keep the first phase of your product delivery small. This is to prevent business misalignment and run the project within the budget.
If the early phase of the project to implement the product information system is successful, then you can get the desired confidence and interest to develop the next phase of the project with new goals as well as scope.
2. Align the Business
Often, the overall business struggles to gather necessary data. Marketing teams cannot find the product outings and other teams such as the data management team get into trouble in the process of collecting product details from the in-house systems when there is no PIM system properly implemented.
The complete product data in a spreadsheet includes errors and product suppliers notify such things and send corrections. This lengthy process ends in both irritation and frustration.
It is a suitable time to implement a PIM system and ensure that the business and management must be on board. You must be very conscious of the method of working and the overall recording of responsibilities before going to the next step.
3. Setup the System
Al beginners to the Pimcore Implementation guidelines have to concentrate on everything to set up the PIM system. If you make certain who to involve and what data you require, then you have to think about how to successfully start the process to set up the PIM system.
You can make a good inventory of all your processes and the setup needs for the product information management system. A PIM is vital as it makes it easy for the organization to gather and maintain product information and relate master day faster than the current methods including some errors.
The three buckets associated with the process of dividing the business requirements are the must-have, the should-have, and the could-have. You can hold complete interviews in the company with each department related to the process and take note of a list of demands and wishes.
You have to divide the wishes into buckets and execute the PIM system from the phases starting with the must-have to the could-have.
If you have done it, then you can define the data model you require. A personalized data model from PIM experts gives so many advantages to business people. Once you have defined the data model, the data processing workflow must be on the table.
You have to focus on which unit has to do the starting processing of the product information and which team is involved in the process to enrich the data. Do not forget to ensure that each piece of data must have its owner. If you expect better than ordinary data, then the accountability of data quality is very important.
4. Import Product Information
Now, you have to get down to the business and transfer available product information to the product information management system. You must fill an empty Product Information Management implementation system with data accessible from every source in your business manually or automatically.
Proper integration with the top ERP systems gives exceptional benefits to all users. You can import data via API, XML, and Excel at your convenience. The data must be de-duplicated, standardized, and validated against the needs you have set up for the system.
5. Testing
There is nothing that can go wrong at all times. The test phase of the project is designed to find and get rid of errors. In this phase, the data synchronization is thoroughly checked and designed to ensure that the overall system is 100% fine enough to publish data to suppliers or data pools.
6. Go Live and Continuity
The designed users within the business can test the PIM Implementation before going to the PIM system live. This is because not all individuals can understand the PIM system right away in large-scale projects.
Test users give their feedback and you have to adapt such feedback to the PIM system. Once the PIM system starts going live, you have to make certain of the continuity and usage of this system. You must get prompt support to efficiently use the PIM system running in your organization.
Are you looking for a reliable PIM solution provider that follows the above-listed steps to ensure successful PIM implementation and optimize your PIM operations?
What To Do With Your Data While Implementing a PIM System?
The majority of the work is based on product data in the process of launching the PIM system. You have to know the main things to do to guarantee flawless product information management work in the future.
1. Data Gathering
You have to locate your data assets in one place before moving them to the PIM implementation system. Find and make certain what information is vital and delivered to such a system. An organizational plan is helpful when you use a multi-channel system for data management. You have to segment product data as per its purpose and size. You must categorize files and make them easy to work with product information when it is moved to the PIM system.
2. Data Check
Product data validation is used to avoid errors as well as duplicates. It is helpful to make certain data completeness and quality. You have to check product data for misspellings and several abbreviations. Data uncertainty damages information quality. Ensure that all data is formatted in the same way.
3. Set the Data Governance Policy
Product data can be under control and secured when you properly implement the PIM system. You have to set up a governance module within the product information management platform.
Keep in mind that data administrators can lock down the PIM system and let the data only be accessible by authorized users. The most effective digital rights management layer is designed when not all product information is associated with all data consumers.
4. Build Data Taxonomy
A structured hierarchical list is useful to keep the product data organized as per its categories. It is very important to have an excellent user experience and support all consumers to find associated product information on time. A dynamic taxonomy is useful to create rich content and engage potential customers.
5. Define Product Attributes
The right data attributes are the essence of the PIM system-based best practices. You have to put product attributes in groups like marketing, logistics, technical, physical, and other things to accelerate product enrichment. You can make up the best compound attributes out of the elements by combining multiple data. The best suitable product attributes and specifications drive leads and sales further.
6. Testing
You have to properly conduct a PIM test before the rollout. You can use a small number of products for such tests. Do not forget that you have to do it in the step-by-step process and make certain that data synchronizations work well. You can check both data compatibility with the product information management system and the effectiveness of the data.
7. Data Migration and Synchronization
Your product data can successfully migrate to the product information management platform based on the team and data size. There are so many options to move the data from the old system to a new PIM system frequently in stages or all at once.
You can integrate both systems when you store your product data in the enterprise resource planning system before now. You will get remarkable benefits from product data synchronization across different sales touchpoints. You will be happy to use the automated product content syndication system and get the desired benefits.
Do you want to perform all your product data operations quickly and effectively through a single platform? PIM implementation is the primary need of your business.
Potential Challenges on Implementing the PIM System and Tips to Overcome
Implementation of the PIM system is not an easy task to carry out. There are a few challenges you may face while implementing a PIM system. This section will give you a brief analysis of the top PIM challenges you may face along with the solution to overcome them.
Challenge 1: Experiences data being inaccurate & inconsistent
PIM system allows multiple users to handle the system easily. This may result in causing data errors and content discrepancies.
Solution
Preferring the latest PIM system with advanced functionality will solve this problem. The latest PIM system comes with advanced tools that offer backups, seamless tech support along with a complete record of activity logs. This gives complete control over the performance and optimizes the database configuration after the change.
Challenge 2: Employing non-technical users
There may be a situation where nontechnical users from across the departments are supposed to handle the PIM system. In such cases, they may face difficulties in operating or accessing the PIM system.
Solution
Modern PIM solution comes with user-friendly access along with an easy learning curve. With proper training, nontechnical employees can easily access the PIM system without any technical support. Business stakeholders may ask PIM vendors to conduct a few workshops for their employees to train them about how the system works.
Challenge 3: Involving many in implementing PIM will slow down the implementation process
The PIM system allows many to take part in the implementation process; this includes PIM integration as well. This may result in increasing the channels and their relations to grow enormously. Also, it will cause a situation where more discussions take a proper decision on a certain issue. This will rise significant confusion and slow down the implementation process of a PIM system.
Solution
To avoid slow downing the PIM implementation process, businesses have a professional with extensive knowledge of business processes and business goals should offer the solo responsibility of handling PIM workflow.
Challenge 4: On managing the company’s digital assets
In general, businesses may have a wide range of product digital assets in form of images, videos, documents, PPTs, and so. Having a large volume of products with regular creation of such digital assets will be a burden on managing them.
Solution
Following the best practices for implementing the latest PIM solution will solve this problem. PIM system offers a cohesive product library that allows business leaders to store and manage a huge volume of cluttered digital assets in a consolidated way. This enables users to search and find products from the database much more quickly than before.
Challenge 5: Lack of transparency across departments and teams
To run a successful business, businesses should have a collaborative environment. Often businesses face huge challenges in creating transparent communication between departments and teams. The communication barriers may increase the burden as the business grows.
Solution
Having a modern PIM solution will allow business leaders to implement strategies to fill up those challenges in communication between departments and teams. The centralized data repository offered by the PIM system enables businesses to build a collaborative and cross-functional environment where teams and departments can work for the organization’s success without any communication barriers.
Don’t miss to read Do’s and Don’ts to consider while Product Information Management Implementation to avoid the critical challenges and leverage the seamless product data management in a PIM system.
Are you facing any challenges in your daily product data management operations after implementing a PIM system? Credencys would love to help you.
Bottom Line
Product information management is a highly useful process that helps the business grows in all directions. It also helps in executing the processes without any issues. It helps business managers overcome traditional challenges and allows the usage of advanced technology and the latest business techniques to be used while running the business successfully. PIM Implementation Plan is a part of managing products & business with ease and excellence.
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