Generative AI and PIM: Why a single source of truth is essential 

AI-generated product information relies on accurate data 

Generative AI excels at producing detailed product descriptions, specifications, and marketing copy. However, the quality of this content heavily depends on the accuracy and consistency of the underlying data. 

The role of PIM: PIM is a centralized repository for all product information, ensuring that data is accurate, up-to-date, and consistent across all channels. This single source of truth is essential for AI to generate high-quality, reliable content. As our Director of Sales Engineering, Dave Copeland says: “AI is already incorporated into PIM solutions and will undoubtedly be one of the technologies that help push it to the next level and enrich customer lifetime value for the benefit of all of us.” 

Example in action: Global companies like New Balance and Carhartt rely on PIM technology to provide complete and accurate product information for every customer on every channel. This includes marketplaces, resellers, and social platforms as well as different geographies and languages. A unique challenge made significantly easier with PIM. 

Translation and localization require consistent product data 

AI-generated translation tools, like large language models, can be integrated with a PIM solution, to significantly enhance a business’s ability to swiftly and accurately convert product information into multiple languages. However, the effectiveness of these translations heavily depends on the consistency of the underlying data. Inconsistencies can result in disjointed and error-prone translations. 

The role of PIM: PIM solutions ensure that product data is consistent across all languages and regions. This consistency is vital for AI to generate accurate translations and maintain the integrity of the original content. 

Example in action: Global e-commerce platforms use PIM systems to provide AI with standardized data, ensuring accurate translations and culturally relevant content for international markets. “All of our customers are sitting on a gold mine because they have structured data inside of PIM,” says Viktor Bergqvist, from the inriver Innovation Lab. “Being able to leverage that data with AI models will allow them to really accelerate the generation of a whole range of product and marketing content that would previously take a lot of internal resources.” 

Enhancing after-sales services with generative AI and PIM 

After-sales services are crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and loyalty, whether it’s regular maintenance services, spare parts databases, or even cross-selling with other recommended products in your catalog. Many of these services are carried out by in-field operatives. However, for others, AI can do the hard work. 

The role of PIM: A PIM solution ensures that the data fed to AI-generated services, such as chatbots and virtual assistants is accurate and up to date. This allows them to provide precise and helpful responses to customer inquiries, suggest new products and services, and connect customers with human operatives whenever needed. 

Example in action: Brands like Michelin use AI-generated chatbots integrated with their PIM systems to offer after-sales support. These chatbots can answer questions about product care, warranty information, and order status, providing customers with immediate assistance based on accurate product data. 

Bundling and cross-selling with AI-generated suggestions 

Effective product bundling and cross-selling can increase sales and enhance customer satisfaction by offering complementary products. 

The role of PIM: PIM provides the accurate and detailed product data that AI needs to generate relevant bundling and cross-selling suggestions. By analyzing purchase history and product attributes, AI can suggest optimal product combinations.  

Example in action: Jewelry company Pandora uses AI to analyze their PIM data to generate product bundles that appeal to their customers. This enhances the shopping experience by providing personalized recommendations and increasing the likelihood of additional purchases. 

Transforming product stories with generated videos and images 

Compelling product stories significantly enhances customer engagement and drives sales. Visual content, such as videos and images, plays a crucial role in how customers perceive and connect with products. Generative AI can create these visually appealing materials, bringing product stories to life in ways that traditional methods cannot match. These AI-generated visuals can captivate audiences, highlight key features, and effectively communicate the value propositions of products, leading to higher conversion rates and customer loyalty. 

The role of PIM: By pulling from a single source of truth, AI can create visuals that are consistent with brand messaging and product specifications. This consistency is vital for maintaining brand integrity and providing a seamless customer experience across all marketing channels. 

Example in action: A furniture retailer could leverage AI to create dynamic product videos and images. For each new furniture piece, the AI accesses detailed product information from the company’s PIM, including dimensions, materials, color options, and styling suggestions, to create a range of product images and videos. These AI-generated visuals are automatically distributed across the retailer’s website, mobile app, and social media channels. 

inriver: A new era powered by PIM + Generative AI 

Generative AI can revolutionize product information management, but only when supported by a robust PIM solution that is agile enough to respond and evolve with your needs. The single source of truth provided by PIM is essential for ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of AI-generated content. 

Leading global brands like Michelin, Prysmian, and Pandora use the AI-powered inriver PIM solution to harness real-time data and create personalized, data-driven customer experiences. By leveraging accurate and consistent product data, these companies set a new standard for customer engagement and satisfaction. 

Generative AI, powered by the comprehensive inriver PIM solution, drives a new era of innovation in product management. Businesses can stay ahead of the curve by ensuring their AI applications are built on a foundation of accurate and consistent data.