Is a PIM a CMS?

There are many products on the market that can streamline your team’s work. Many systems boast the ability to house your content and make managing it easier. It can be difficult to break through the noise and see a system for what it is and what it is best at. 

Is PIM a CMS?

These two systems are similar in how they manage content but the key difference lies in what content they manage. First, let’s dive into the details of a PIM.

Product information management (PIM) is for the management of product information. Product details like pricing, size, manufacturer location, spec sheets and owner’s manuals can be stored in a PIM meaning it is a single source of truth for your product team.

By collecting all product information into a PIM your product team no longer needs to chase excel files and word documents across multiple desktops to update information. Consolidating this important information will allow your team to work smarter not harder. 

What is a CMS?

A CMS is a content management system. CMS software is used to store, create, and edit digital content. It is a place for multiple team members to collaborate on your company’s content. Much like a PIM it is a single source of truth for all things content reducing confusion for your team. 

By containing all content in a CMS your team will no longer need to worry about if they are using the most current version of your company logo. Instead, they can trust the CMS has the most up-to-date content. This type of confidence in your team will allow them to work faster, and hit deadlines with ease. 

There are many different options when it comes to CMS software. A few are WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal. Each allows a team of marketers to quickly access content and manage the updates with ease.  

What Are Examples of PIM Applications?

Now that we’ve covered the basics of the difference between a PIM and CMS let’s dive into PIM software examples. We have highlighted a few examples of some of the best PIM software available. 

• Salsify Software- Allows users to create business processes alongside easy product management. Teams from different departments can have access to this software to allow for cross-functional work. 
• Akeneo PIM-  Designed large teams with an extensive product catalog. Users can track projects using this tool allowing for better management. 
• Pimcore– Offers many ways to manage data including a PIM and also a Digital Asset Management (DAM) solution. Companies looking to overhaul their data management will benefit from using Pimcore.
• Lumavate– Lumavate is first a Digital Experience Platform (DXP) but with the addition of a PIM we are able to manage product information and also use that information in engaging and interactive digital experiences. 

These are just a few PIM tools in the market. Many other PIM solutions are available. It is important to circle back to what your core business needs are and evaluate each PIM software based on how they will meet your needs. 

What Is the Difference Between a PIM and CMS?

While on the surface a PIM and a CMS appear very similar there are key differences. 

A PIM is tasked with managing all data connected to products. This system is meant to allow teams to easily update and maintain product information. All pieces of data pertaining to products should live in a PIM. Product teams should work exclusively in a PIM solution when working with product details. 

A CMS is meant to house all digital content. CMS software is best used for hosting digital content like images, text, and other digital assets for your company. CMS often allows for the creation and editing of these assets. CMS should be a one-stop shop for marketers who are managing assets that are then used on websites, native apps or any digital experience. 

DXPs like Lumavate offer both a CMS and a PIM with the ability to use content in both to create engaging and interactive digital experiences. 

What Is the Purpose of a PIM?

The purpose of a PIM is to streamline work for your team. By hosting all product information into one system team members know to look in one place for current product information. They no longer need to worry about if the document they are looking at is the most recent version or sort through a messy Dropbox to find the correct file. 

All product information including, all product names, descriptions, sizing, pricing, and much more lives in one system. Team members can work efficiently and confidently using a PIM knowing the information they are seeing is correct. 

Are you ready to work smarter, not harder? Book a demo today!