Does Adobe Have a PIM Solution?
by Lumavate | Last Updated: Oct 3, 2023
Navigating the world of product information can be challenging. The terminology can be confusing, and the phrasing can be difficult to understand. At first glance, you may think that Adobe has a Product Information Management (PIM) solution. Its Experience Cloud discusses content management and PIM integration. Its blog often discusses the value of PIM software. But does that mean Adobe has a PIM Solution?
Before discussing how Adobe addresses PIM, let's explore what PIM is, what it is used for, and how it compares to a content management system (CMS).
What Is a PIM?
Product information refers to product-related data in any format. It can include videos showing how to assemble or install a product. It incorporates detailed drawings to illustrate dimensions and specifications that outline product composition. Documents can be added to a PIM that contain disclosures and warranty details.
PIM systems centralize product information and streamline the process of updating, accessing, and managing data. They allow multiple users to collaborate to ensure accurate product information, creating a single source of truth. Having a readily accessible PIM ensures consistent brand experiences and improves employee productivity.
For example, marketing uses a product image in a trade show flyer. One booth member mentioned that the product now uses internal power cord storage. Marketing spent part of its budget producing inaccurate printed media. The data was distributed to thousands of attendees. Without a PIM, marketing wasted untold hours creating collaterals that gave customers inaccurate information. Sales and service will have to explain why the product doesn't match its image.
What Is a PIM Used For?
PIM systems organize data for faster release of product information. They ensure accuracy to deliver consistent customer experiences. In a digital-first marketplace, PIM software provides a competitive edge.
Product Information Management Examples
Many product managers keep data in a spreadsheet or localized database. Sharing the information is time-consuming. If two people have conflicting data, which one is right?
PIM systems can support product information, such as the following:
Product Images
Product Descriptions
Product Specifications
Product Galleries
Product Reviews
Product Ratings
Product Accessories
Replacement Parts
Installation and Assembly Videos
User and Owner Guides
Disclosures/Compliance Information
Warranty Information
Solutions that include built-in digital asset management (DAM) capabilities help maximize digital content such as videos, recordings, and images.
Benefits of Product Information Management Software
A PIM system includes tools to help organize and retrieve data. These tools give companies the ability to pivot quickly to meet customer expectations and develop more efficient ways of operation. A robust PIM system offers manufacturers the following benefits:
Fewer Errors
Organizations that maintain product information in silos increase the likelihood of publishing inaccurate data. They also add to operating costs as employees struggle to establish the correct information. Even centralized systems may not be error-free unless they have collaborative capabilities that allow for version control.
Better Upselling
Shoppers like recommendations, especially on sites with extensive product offerings. Buyers may decide that a specific model doesn't meet their needs. If other models are shown as suggested recommendations, buyers will consider the other options. Without the recommendations, buyers would move to another site offering a similar product. Over half of shoppers will return to a site that offers recommendations.
Improved Experiences
Employees and customers benefit from product information management software. Employees are not frustrated with trying to find and validate information. Customers receive consistent information no matter the channel. Consistent and accurate information builds trust, which strengthens brand loyalty.
Manufacturers can experience these benefits by using the best PIM software 2023 such as Lumavate's Unified Product Experience Management (PXM) Platform.
What’s the Difference Between a CMS and PIM?
Content Management Systems (CMS) are designed to manage website content. They do not require extensive technical skills to store, edit, update, publish, and archive information. CMS may include search engine optimization tools (SEO) and links to other web plug-ins or marketplace solutions.
CMS solutions do not manage product information in the same manner as product information management software. CMS delivers content as it is received. Centralizing, standardizing, and enriching product content is unique to a PIM solution. PIM software ensures accurate and consistent information across all channels using a centralized hub that fosters collaboration. PIM software examples include Pimcore, Acquia PIM, and Akeneo.
A stand-alone CMS places the responsibility for content accuracy and channel distribution on the end user. Depending on the CMS solution, the tools needed to manage the creation and distribution of content must be purchased separately.
Does Adobe Have a PIM Solution?
The simple answer is No. Adobe offers an Experience Cloud that uses content management capabilities to deliver information to a website. If you look carefully, you see a separate PIM system is needed to deliver the robust management of product data. The PIM solution must integrate into the Adobe Experience Cloud. In some instances, additional Adobe products are required to deliver PIM capabilities found in solutions such as Plytix PIM, Salsify PIM, and Lumavate's Product Experience Management (PXM) platform.
Lumavate's PXM platform reduces the stress marketing and product information managers have when trying to corral product data. It offers collaborative capabilities through its PIM solution, making it easier for users to update and verify product changes. In a digital-first marketplace, companies develop digital assets that are often lost among the hundreds of files stored on servers or in the cloud.
Lumavate adds Digital Asset Management (DAM) functionality to its PIM solution to ensure manufacturers maximize the use of their digital assets. It helps eliminate duplicate images and identifies the most current version of a digital asset. With its Digital Experience Platform (DXP), Lumavate lets manufacturers create branded experiences that attract and retain customers. Lumavate is unique among PIM software companies as its robust solution delivers the functionality to deliver exceptional digital experiences. Schedule a demo to see how Lumavate's PXM can work in your environment.