Best PIM Software 2023

You’ve got a treasure trove of product data at your fingertips. Product descriptions, SKUs, pricing, features, benefits, dimensions, functionality, and more — are all vital components in the life cycle of your products, and it doesn’t stop there! Product information also encompasses the rich tapestry of multimedia assets, from product photos and how-to videos to owners’ manuals and spec sheets.

The problem? Keeping all this information in check, updated, and accessible in real time can be a logistical nightmare. You need a solution that lets multiple users collaborate, updating product data simultaneously while ensuring consistency across the board. That’s where Product Information Management (PIM) software steps in and takes the lead, serving as the single source of truth for all your product information.

With digital assets becoming a mainstay in customer digital experience in 2023, there’s been an increase in the demand for PIM solutions. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best PIM solutions and how they can streamline your product information management and workflow, make your business more efficient, and make your product data more valuable than ever. But first, let’s define PIM.

Product Information Management (PIM)

Product Information Management, or PIM, is the organizational maestro that harmonizes your product data information. Think of it as a digital haven where you can neatly arrange and easily access vital product information. PIM software is the secret sauce that businesses use to tackle the ever-growing mountain of product data with finesse.

But that’s not the only answer to your question, “What is PIM software used for?” PIM goes beyond the basics. It syncs the dimensions that define your products in physical space and the functionality that brings them to life. Enter the realm of PIM with built-in Digital Asset Management (DAM) functionality, and suddenly, you can include product photos that showcase your offerings in their full glory, how-to videos that guide your customers with a virtual hand, owner’s manuals that empower users, and spec sheets that dive into the technical nuances.

One of the most significant advantages of PIM is that it serves as the ultimate authority on product information. It consolidates all scattered documents, eliminating the need to question the accuracy of data. With PIM, you have a centralized hub that serves as a digital oracle, holding all the definitive information about your products in one place.

What Is the Main Use of PIM Software?

The primary goal of PIM is nothing less than creating a digital haven — a single, centralized location where every nuance of product information finds its home. We’re talking about the essentials, the backbone of your products: SKUs, pricing, features, benefits, dimensions, and captivating elements like product images, how-to videos, operator manuals, and troubleshooting guides.

But here’s where the best PIM solutions elevate the game. They don’t just stop at being data repositories; they seamlessly blend a robust database with built-in digital asset management functionality. Imagine effortlessly managing your multimedia assets — images, documents, videos, and more — all within the same powerful platform.

It’s like unlocking a treasure trove of accuracy. Employees can effortlessly access precise product details, paving the way for a ripple effect of accuracy across marketing materials, sales resources, and every touchpoint in between.

Think of it as the key to a well-oiled marketing and sales machinery. No more sifting through scattered files or playing the accuracy-guessing game. PIM empowers businesses to weave a narrative of precision, ensuring that every piece of product information aligns seamlessly with your brand story.

Who Uses PIM Software and What Are Their Benefits?

The manufacturing industry runs on data because it fuels innovation and drives success. Yet, the harsh reality for many manufacturers is fragmented data storage: data scattered across spreadsheets, lurking in various file folders on the company network or a lone hard drive. It’s a data management nightmare that not only consumes valuable time but also opens the door to errors that can have a cascading effect on the entire production cycle.

With PIM, manufacturers can now bid farewell to the chaos of disorganization and welcome a new era of streamlined data management. The key lies in having a centralized platform that handles all product data, allowing you to no longer have to sift hunt through confusing spreadsheets or digging through folders for that one crucial image. Everything resides in one software, ensuring data harmony and efficiency.

PIM also brings brand consistency, a crucial element for any manufacturer striving to make a mark in the competitive landscape. A world where your product information aligns seamlessly across all channels and creates a unified brand narrative that resonates with your audience has never been so achievable.

Here’s the kicker. PIM tools are typically built-in with a collaborative workspace where multiple users can dive in, manage product data in real-time, and ensure that every update reflects the latest and greatest. That way, you have less conflicting information and more product output.

For manufacturers, PIM isn’t just a tool; it’s the glue that streamlines the intricate web of data, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and brand coherence. It’s not just about managing products; it’s about future-proofing your manufacturing prowess. So, as we step into the future, manufacturers buckle up and embrace the PIM revolution. It’s the secret weapon that propels your data management from chaos to coordinated brilliance!

What Is Included in PIM Software?

Continuing our journey into the realm of product information management, let’s unravel the layers of what makes PIM software the undisputed powerhouse for managing your product universe.

PIM software is more than just a digital storage locker. It dictates and safeguards your customer’s product experience. It contains all the relevant product data, providing a safe space to organize every detail. This includes essential elements such as product descriptions, pricing strategies, unique selling points, and tangible characteristics that give your products a sense of dimension.

Next-gen PIM solutions come built-in with digital asset management functionality. This next-gen PIM curates your digital assets — the captivating product images that speak volumes, the owner’s manuals that empower your users, the tech spec sheets that dive into the technical nuances, and the troubleshooters’ guide to navigate any storm. Installation videos become part of this immersive experience, providing users with a virtual guide to seamlessly integrate your products into their lives.

Now, why does this matter? Well, your products aren’t just about the specifications but the entire experience. A PIM with DAM functionality transforms your product data into a story — a visual and interactive journey that captivates your audience and sets your brand apart.

So, as we dive deeper into the PIM landscape, remember that it’s not just about managing data but also about crafting an immersive narrative that resonates with your audience. PIM software is the storyteller that brings your products to life in the digital realm, leaving a lasting imprint on your audience's minds.

PIM Software Examples

Yes, we’ve talked about PIM solutions and how they are revolutionary. Now it’s got you wondering, “What is an example of a PIM?” The PIM landscape is competitive and diverse, with numerous solutions available today.

However, the diversity makes this so exhilarating, as it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Even as these solutions share a common goal — centralizing product data management — businesses can explore and choose a PIM solution that aligns perfectly with their unique needs and aspirations. Here are some PIM examples from top PIM software companies:

Acquia PIM

Acquia PIM, a cloud-based gem for marketers, focuses 100 percent on streamlining product info for marketing. It’s your go-to for centralized product data management, channel-specific portals at the click of a button, and easily shareable links. Integration with Acquia DAM boosts creative workflows. Though new, its mission is clear: turbocharge businesses to market faster with efficient product data management.

Plytix PIM

Plytix offers a powerful and easy-to-learn PIM solution designed for small-to-medium-sized businesses. It provides basic features for centralizing product data management and offers additional functionality to empower companies to use their product information to its fullest potential.

Pimcore

Pimcore is a PIM system that emphasizes the customer experience by enabling companies to share rich and consistent product information across relevant channels, building customer trust and loyalty. It offers several tools to help companies manage complex product data and enrich data, as well as manage and share consistent product data across multiple channels.

Salsify PIM

Salsify is a PIM solution that can sync data across platforms, ensuring consistent delivery of correct product information. It also provides features for sharing product information with consumers, such as automatically updating online sales listings and providing custom product recommendations based on a potential customer's search history or past purchases.

Inriver PIM

Inriver was initially created with small businesses in mind but can now handle the needs of small to much larger enterprises. It offers flexibility and the ability to grow with a business. Inriver’s PIM solution enables companies to manage complex product data, enrich data, and manage and share consistent product data across multiple channels.

Catsy

Catsy is a PIM system that offers features for managing the rules of content addition and the display of product information, as well as the display of information in different channels about their specifics.

Sales Layer PIM

Sales Layer PIM is a cloud-based powerhouse for manufacturers and retailers. It’s your go-to for centralized product data management, personalized catalogs, seamless integration with selling channels and efficiency tools. Voted the “Easiest PIM to Use in the World,” it boasts quick onboarding.

Akeneo PIM

Akeneo is a full-fledged PIM system with Product Experience Management (PXM) elements that provide features for product data management. It is used by more than 500 enterprise-scale companies.

Lumavate

Lumavate is a Product Experience Management (PXM) platform that offers a PIM, DAM, and a Digital Experience Platform (DXP) to seamlessly create product experiences, such as a website, landing page, or mobile app. Lumavate’s PIM system is built for manufacturers to manage their product data and offers the ability to share rich and consistent product information across relevant channels, building customer trust and loyalty.

How to Choose a PIM Solution: A 5-Step Guide To Picking the Right Solution for Your Business

Even the best marketers ask themselves, “How do I choose a PIM?” It’s nothing to be ashamed of, as selecting the right PIM software for your business requires careful consideration. There are five key questions to answer during the evaluation process:

So, you’ve decided it’s time to level up your product information management game. Great call! With many PIM solutions out there, finding “the one” might seem like searching for a needle in a digital haystack. We’ve got the lowdown on choosing the best PIM software for your business. Here are five key questions to consider:

What Functionality Do You Need?

Think of this as your PIM wish list. Do you just need product data management, or are you dreaming of a one-stop shop that includes DAM (digital asset management) and DXP (digital experience platform) functionalities? The answer shapes your PIM journey. Comprehensive solutions, often labeled as PXM (Product Experience Management) platforms, can be your all-in-one solution, making product management a breeze from a single platform.

What Other Systems Do You Need To Integrate With?

Compatibility is key. Consider your PIM as the ultimate team player — it needs to sync seamlessly with your existing systems. Make a list of potential integrations; whether it’s a snug fit or an elaborate tango, knowing your dance partners upfront helps eliminate solutions that can’t keep up.

How Will the Product Information Be Used?

Your product data is a star; it should shine everywhere. From websites and catalogs to sales meetings and beyond, map out how your business uses this valuable info. Some PIM solutions might just hold the data, leaving you to figure out the rest. Others offer a built-in DXP, making your website creation a breeze. Know your needs, and let that guide your choice.

What Type of Budget Is Defined for This Initiative?

Money talks! Having a budget in mind is like having a map for your PIM adventure. Be upfront about your financial boundaries. Sometimes, a higher price tag doesn’t mean better service. Case in point: Lumavate’s PXM Platform is cost-effective and feature-packed. Keep your budget in check, and you’ll find the perfect balance.

What Is Your Timeline for Implementing a Solution?

Patience is a virtue, but so is efficiency. While you don’t want to rush the PIM selection process, consider your timeline for implementation. Some solutions take months, and others offer a quick start with a free trial. Find the sweet spot for your business. Remember, the sooner you have a PIM in place, the faster productivity takes flight.

So, there you have it: a roadmap to PIM success. Answer these questions, and you’ll be well on your way to choosing a PIM solution that fits your needs and propels your business into the digital stratosphere.

Lumavate as a PIM Solution

From the vast array of PIM tools in market, Lumavate emerges as a shining star, and here’s why it might just be the hero your business needs.

Complete Product Experience Management (PXM) Functionality

Lumavate doesn’t just stop at PIM; it’s built for a robust customer experience. Picture this: a single platform where you can centralize your product data, store digital assets, build digital product experiences in a snap, text your customers, and wield a comprehensive form builder that syncs seamlessly with your system of record. It’s like having a superhero utility belt for your business.

Unparalleled Breadth of Functionality

No other solution on the market boasts such a comprehensive set of features. It’s the Swiss Army knife of PIM, and it’s often 75 percent more cost-effective than its less-equipped competitors. Because, let’s face it, who doesn’t want more bang for their buck?

Lumavate Pricing

A Different Approach to Pricing

Curious minds ask, “How much does a PIM system cost?” Well, Lumavate steps in as the budget-friendly hero. Starting at just $499 a month, Lumavate’s PXM platform offers a cost-effective journey into PIM excellence. Why settle for ordinary prices when Lumavate brings you extraordinary functionality without breaking the bank?

75% More Cost-Effective

Why settle for less when you can have more for less? Lumavate isn't just a PIM; it's a budget-friendly powerhouse. Experience 75 percent more cost-effectiveness compared to other solutions that pale in comparison. Lumavate proves that cutting-edge technology doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

The Lumavate Launchpad: Getting Started with PIM

Embarking on your PIM journey starts with centralization. Lumavate offers an out-of-the-box solution for your product data and digital assets. There is no need for complicated setups. Just dive in and start organizing!

The real fun begins once your data is snug in the PIM and your assets are cozily stored in the DAM. Lumavate empowers you to create digital product experiences for every moment in the customer journey. Whether it’s for your customers, partners, or employees, Lumavate has you covered.

Schedule a demo to elevate your PIM game. Your business deserves nothing less than PIM perfection. Let the Lumavate adventure begin!