Product Information Management (PIM) software is an important addition to the MarTech stack of any company looking to compete in today's unique e-commerce ecosystem. This extremely useful tool stores and optimizes essential product information before distributing it through sales touchpoints. The summary function of a PIM is simple, but the benefits for businesses are far-reaching. Better sales and ROI, higher staff productivity and a lower product return rate are some of the benefits of a PIM. However, it all depends on a successful PIM implementation.
HOW IMPORTANT IS THE PIM IMPLEMENTATION PHASE?
The PIM implementation phase includes every step between choosing the PIM to use and launching the solution. After deciding to go for an On-Premise or SaaS PIM, an implementation plan must be developed and followed. Failure of a PIM project is not uncommon and poor implementation is often the cause. Therefore, a step-by-step PIM implementation phase is important to get the most out of this software.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO FOLLOW FOR A SUCCESSFUL PIM IMPLEMENTATION?
While the PIM implementation phase varies from company to company, the defining steps are essentially the same. Below are 6 critical steps to ensure your PIM project goes according to plan:
DECISION-MAKING BY ALL STAKEHOLDERS
For the PIM implementation to succeed, the organization's buy-in is non-negotiable. Stakeholders in the decision-making process include the CEO, project manager, and department heads who will use the software the most. Realistic and smart long-term planning can make the difference between success and failure. Therefore, clearly define business goals, anticipate problems, propose solutions and estimate the project start date. Technical aspects such as determining data sources and enrichment plans for destination and product data should also be addressed.
COLLECT AND STRUCTURE DATA
Building a single source of truth for product data is one of the reasons to purchase a PIM. Therefore, the next step is to collect data from the various sources and structure it in one place. This step is undoubtedly the most difficult in the PIM implementation phase, but also the most important. Executing this phase perfectly smooths out the rest of the PIM implementation phase considerably.
The components of data collection and structuring include:
- Building data taxonomy
- Define and categorize products based on data attributes in an SEO and user-friendly way
- Clean up and format data by removing duplicates, correcting spelling mistakes, etc.
- Set a strict data management policy
The work done here goes a long way in maximizing the capabilities of the software.
TO TEST
Now it's time to test the PIM software for data compatibility and effectiveness. Import some product data and assess the organizational level in the product information. Note any errors in the organization and evaluate the ease with which other team members understand the displayed data. Then make the necessary adjustments and repeat this step as many times as necessary.
DATA MIGRATION
When the results of the test phase are satisfactory for all team members, data migration follows. While it may seem overwhelming, it is recommended that you migrate all your data at once. Simultaneously managing the data on spreadsheets and PIM software can create data silos and make your team reluctant. Another option for data migration is to do it in stages until the process is complete. Whichever method your PIM implementation team chooses, ensure it is implemented in a coordinated manner until completion.
PERSONAL TRAINING
A successful PIM implementation is significantly higher when the end users fully understand the tool. Therefore, the training of the staff should start as soon as the training is completed. One training session will be grossly insufficient. Instead, schedule as many sessions as necessary for all team members to master the software.
PIM INTEGRATION
It integrate of your PIM with other business tools and systems you own is the final step. Granted, it's not a critical step and doesn't have to precede launch. Integrating your new software with an ERP or DAM however, improves data synchronization and uniformity across the board. Consequently, performance improves and the PIM implementation is more efficient.
In short, a PIM system can transform product data management in your business. However, the use of this software must be preceded by careful planning and accurate execution. Follow this PIM implementation plan or take Contact Contact us to discuss a custom plan for your business.
