5 things to do *BEFORE* you start implementing your shiny new PIM solution
One of the biggest mistakes companies make when implementing a new PIM system is jumping straight into the tech without proper preparation. They focus on the shiny new tool, thinking it will solve all their product data challenges, but end up struggling with the same issues they faced before.
The truth is, implementing a PIM is not just a technology project—it’s a business transformation. To get it right, you need to take a step back and prepare properly. Rushing in without a solid foundation will leave you with an underused system and fragmented processes, not much better than managing product data on spreadsheets.
So, what should you do before diving into a new PIM implementation? Here are five crucial steps that will make all the difference:
1. Define Your Taxonomy and Attribute Schema Model
A well-defined taxonomy and attribute schema will set the foundation for how you organise and manage your product data. You need to think about how your product data should be structured—not just for today’s needs but also for the future. Will your taxonomy support new product lines, multiple sales channels, or expanding into new markets?
Many companies overlook this step, assuming they can just migrate the old taxonomy and improve it later. But retrofitting a poor taxonomy is painful and time-consuming. Get it right from the start, and you’ll avoid costly rework down the road.
2. Audit Existing Systems and Profile Your Product Data
Before implementing a PIM, you need a clear understanding of where your product data stands today. Do an audit of your existing systems and profile your product data. Identify gaps, inconsistencies, and areas where data quality is an issue. This audit is essential for pinpointing the exact data quality issues you’re trying to solve with your PIM.
For example, I’ve worked with companies that discover significant deficits in data completeness and consistency. Doing this audit upfront will save you headaches later and ensure you’re ready for a smooth transition.
3. Understand the Integration Landscape
Your PIM won’t exist in a vacuum. It will need to connect with various other systems in your tech stack—ERP, eCommerce, DAM, and more. Understanding this integration landscape is vital for the success of your PIM project.
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Make sure you have a clear picture of how data will flow between systems, what integrations are necessary, and where potential bottlenecks might arise. Will you need middleware to connect certain platforms? Are there existing APIs, or will custom integrations be required? The more clarity you have about these factors, the fewer surprises you’ll encounter during implementation.
4. Define Clear Processes and Workflows
Implementing a PIM isn’t just about the technology—it’s also about people and processes. Before you start, define the processes and workflows for managing your product data, from onboarding to enrichment to syndication. Who will be responsible for what? How will data move through the system? What checks and approvals need to happen along the way?
Without clearly defined processes, your PIM can quickly become a bottleneck instead of a solution. Take the time to map out workflows and ensure everyone involved knows their role in the product data lifecycle.
5. Engage Stakeholders and Set Clear Objectives
Finally, don’t forget to engage your key stakeholders early. PIM implementations touch multiple departments—marketing, sales, operations, IT, and more. If these teams aren’t aligned on the goals of the project, you’ll face resistance and miscommunication down the line.
Set clear objectives for what you want to achieve with the PIM, and ensure everyone is on the same page. Is the primary goal to improve data quality? Speed up time-to-market? Simplify product syndication? The more clearly defined your objectives, the easier it will be to measure success and keep everyone focused on the right outcomes.
A Strong Foundation for PIM Success
There’s no shortcut to a successful PIM implementation. It’s not just about installing a new system - it’s about transforming how your business manages product data. By taking the time to define your taxonomy, audit your data, understand your integrations, clarify your processes, and align your stakeholders, you’ll set yourself up for a PIM implementation that delivers real, lasting value.
Remember, one bite at a time is the only way to deliver a true PIM transformation!
Strategic Consultant | Freelance | Interim | PIM | Shopware | Magento | Shopify | Ergonode | Presentator | Spreker | Ecommerce | B2B | D2C | B2C
3 个月Absolutely true! This is what we at Ergonode PIM also say to our prospects. Our solution makes workflow and status changes visual and combines the power of completeness with high flexibility. Perhaps we could form a partnership?
PIM | MDM | iPaaS | Digital Transformation | E-commerce
5 个月These are very important aspects to have well-prepared before you can successfully implement a PIM. I completely agree. At Innovadis, we already cover the first four points during the PIM Business Analysis, often combined with advice on a specific PIM system. However, where things often go wrong is in allocating the right—and sufficient—resources during the assessment phase and the implementation phase. It's often the case that people have to "fit it in" alongside their regular work, which frequently causes problems because they are already busy enough. So, truly reserving time is essential. You really need to guide the customer through this process. So, as a potential PIM prospect, it’s very important to ask in-depth questions about the approach of the PIM implementation partner. Even better, speak to clients to get a clear picture of the support provided during a PIM project.