PIM for distributors

What is PIM in the context of distribution?

Product Information Management (PIM) is a system designed to capture, onboard, enrich, and distribute product data across internal and external channels. As a distributor, an advanced PIM system allows you to catalog consistent and accurate product information for all the products in your warehouse, and then diffuse it with ease.

With PIM in place, you can:

• Onboard data as new products arrive
• Sell seamlessly across channels
• Meet compliance requirements
• Gauge product performance

The benefits of PIM for distributors

PIM software is a value-add for every segment of the supply chain, but it’s especially powerful for distribution—particularly when you’re handling products from multiple suppliers.

Below are some of the advantages of PIM for distributors.

1. Centralized operations

First and foremost, a PIM system keeps all your product data in one convenient place. Within your distribution center(s), there could be thousands—or even millions—of different SKUs.

A PIM solution consolidates these disparate data points into a central source of truth. Every employee—from the CFO to the warehouse staff—can access and analyze the same product data.

2. Enriched product data

When products are simply entries on a vast spreadsheet, they become indistinguishable. PIM software allows you to assign unique product descriptions, images, videos, and specifications to the stock on your shelves. This enriched product data management enables you to better differentiate between products and offer enhanced content.

If you sell direct-to-consumer, these details can become assets for sales across all channels. Your PIM solution lets you take the rich product data you’ve collated and repurpose it as content that supports the buying experience, leading to more sales.

3. Effortless scalability

Without a PIM system, managing more SKUs means more stress. PIM solutions like inriver, however, are designed to scale, growing with you as you add:

• Products
• Partners
• Sales channels
• Employees

A PIM system is easy to scale up because it can accommodate an infinite number of products, all with the same data format. As a result, you can manage more data without sacrificing quality or compromising consistent product information.

4. Increased efficiency

Thanks to automation and product content syndication, PIM solutions can revolutionize the way distributors onboard, manage, and disseminate product information. Instead of handling data manually, your team can rely on advanced PIM features that enable significant time savings.

As such, you can bring new products to market even faster and outpace your competitors.

5. Reduced expenditure

Last—but certainly not least—a PIM solution can help you cut back on costs. Manual data handling is a time-consuming process that can be all but erased with the right PIM software, giving back precious hours to your staff. PIM also eliminates inefficiencies and errors that can impact your bottom line.

Finally, improved product data can reduce costly returns, as customers will better understand what they’re ordering.

Features to look for in a PIM for distribution

While many PIM solutions are available, not all of them are primed for distribution. As you compare options, look for PIM software that offers:

• Seamless integration: A PIM system may be comprehensive, but it won’t replace every tool you use. That’s why it’s vital to select a PIM solution that integrates with technologies like SAP Commerce Cloud, Salesforce, and Adobe Experience Manager (AEM).
• Fully adaptable data model: A top-tier PIM solution should provide a flexible and scalable data model that allows you to easily add, remove, and modify data as your business evolves. This adaptability ensures that your PIM system grows with your needs, giving you the tools to manage increasing amounts of product information effortlessly.
• Digital Product Passport support: By 2027, many categories of goods will need to be accompanied by a Digital Product Passport (DPP) that tracks the product’s lifecycle. This EU regulation is geared toward increasing sustainability throughout the supply chain. The best PIM systems are DPP-ready and will enable you to transition smoothly into the new era of product transparency and traceability.
• Omnichannel support: Today’s customers place orders through countless digital channels. Your PIM system should be able to distribute product data consistently to all relevant channels, with optimizations for each specific platform.

inriver: The top PIM solution for distributors

There’s no question that distribution is complex. With dozens of partners and thousands of products to account for, distributors must have a system to keep track of every detail.

An advanced Product Information Management solution, like the one from inriver, can serve this purpose. Not only does the inriver PIM solution organize and enrich your product data, but it also empowers you to be a leader in sustainability by supporting a modern, circular economy.